New Pakistan White-Ball Coach Mike Hesson Eyes Modern, Aggressive Cricket

Newly appointed white-ball coach of the Pakistan cricket team, Mike Hesson, is aiming to transform the team into a modern and dynamic unit. He is encouraging players to adapt and play with a clear plan. Speaking at a press conference, Hesson said, "We all know there’s room for improvement. I want to set the tone of play and select players accordingly."

Amid discussions about some star batters being left out, Hesson expressed optimism about Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. “Both Babar and Rizwan are excellent cricketers. They are likely to be part of the larger squad. There’s room for improvement—Babar knows that and is working on it,” he stated.

Hesson aims to instill a new playing style in the Pakistan team. “We want to play modern cricket. We need depth in batting and variety in bowling. Pakistan has lagged slightly in the white-ball format. The talent is there—we just need to harness it properly.”

Addressing inconsistency, the coach stressed the importance of a clear plan: “Bringing in new players is crucial, but you must have a strategy. Not just aggressive players, we need smart ones too. They should be played in roles where they can succeed.”

Hesson confirmed his direct involvement in team selection: “I’m part of the selection panel. The coach and captain decide the final 15. With two World Cups—T20 and ODI—on the horizon, we must start making changes now.”

He also commented on Bangladesh's recent form, acknowledging their recent series loss to the UAE but cautioning against underestimating them. “Their pacers have improved. They no longer rely solely on spin. Bangladesh are always challenging—we’re not taking them lightly.”

Hesson believes the players will draw confidence from their PSL experience. “We haven’t played together as a team since the PSL, but we’re eager to start. The squad will have a clear message—what we expect from them.”