PCB Confirms Mike Hesson to Lead Pakistan Test Side Through WTC Cycle

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has moved to provide stability to its red-ball setup by confirming that Mike Hesson will continue to serve as the interim head coach for the Test team. Hesson, who currently oversees the national white-ball squads, is set to remain in the role until the conclusion of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

The decision ensures continuity for the side, with Hesson also confirmed to lead the team during the upcoming Test series against New Zealand next year. According to reports, the PCB and the coaching staff have already informed the players of this arrangement, solidifying the leadership structure for the immediate future.

While his current tenure is locked in for the remainder of the WTC cycle, the PCB has indicated that a broader assessment of his long-term future will take place following the conclusion of the next World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. At that stage, the board intends to evaluate the coaching structure for the subsequent World Test Championship cycle.

These questions regarding team management were highlighted recently when Test captain Babar Azam noted that his own role does not extend to selection matters. Azam stated that his primary responsibility is to manage the squad of 15 to 16 players provided to him by the team management and the selection committee.

Internal sources suggest that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi maintains significant confidence in Hesson’s judgment and continues to entrust him with key cricketing decisions. However, the frequent rotations of players across different formats under his tenure have drawn scrutiny from various quarters of the domestic cricket landscape.