The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently announced major changes in the coaching structure of the national team, appointing two experienced individuals to lead in different formats. Mike Hesson has been named the white-ball head coach of Pakistan, while Azhar Mahmood will take charge as the acting red-ball head coach of Pakistan. These appointments mark a fresh start for Pakistan cricket, aiming to bring stability and performance improvement after several years of inconsistency and interim leadership.
Mike Hesson – The New White-Ball Head Coach of Pakistan
Mike Hesson, a former New Zealand cricketer and seasoned international coach, has been appointed as the white-ball head coach of Pakistan effective from May 26, 2025. He steps in following the resignation of Gary Kirsten and a brief interim period under Aaqib Javed.
Hesson is known for his tactical brilliance and player development skills. He previously served as the head coach of New Zealand from 2012 to 2018, guiding them to the 2015 World Cup final and transforming them into a competitive global side. Apart from that, he has also coached Kenya at the international level and Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he is still currently active.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi welcomed the appointment saying, “Mike brings with him a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of developing competitive sides. We look forward to his expertise in shaping the future of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket.”
Though the contract length has not been officially confirmed, reports suggest it is likely a two-year deal. His first assignment is expected to be a five-match T20I series against Bangladesh in May.
Azhar Mahmood – Acting Head Coach of Pakistan for Red-Ball (Test) Format
Azhar Mahmood has been appointed as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. His appointment comes after a series of interim roles and coaching changes in the Test format. He replaces Aaqib Javed, who was serving in an interim capacity after Jason Gillespie’s resignation in late 2024.
A former all-rounder, Azhar Mahmood represented Pakistan in 143 ODIs and 21 Tests. He has been part of Pakistan’s coaching setup for years, serving as bowling coach, assistant head coach, and even interim T20I coach in the past. His experience across different levels makes him a familiar and reliable choice during this transitional phase.
According to PCB, “Azhar Mahmood brings a deep knowledge of the game, international exposure, and proven success in the English county circuit. His two County Championship titles are a testament to his leadership and tactical skills.”
Different Highlights from Each Source
(1)
Mike Hesson was chosen after evaluating multiple applications for the white-ball coaching role. His dual role as head coach of Islamabad United while being appointed to the national team shows PCB’s confidence in his multitasking ability and experience.
(2)
Azhar Mahmood’s appointment is clearly labeled as “acting head coach of Pakistan” till the end of his current contract. His long association with the team’s strategic core as assistant head coach gives him deep insight into red-ball cricket.
(3)
The instability of Pakistan’s coaching setup is highlighted, with Azhar becoming the seventh Test head coach since 2021. PCB has not had a full-time red-ball head coach since Gillespie’s six-month tenure ended. Pakistan’s poor performance in the last WTC cycle (5 wins in 14 matches) makes Azhar’s role even more crucial.
Also, the upcoming Test series vs South Africa and a three-Test tour of England will be his key challenges.
(4)
The PCB emphasized Azhar’s County Championship titles and coaching success in English conditions, which adds credibility to his Test coaching credentials. Azhar’s ability to focus purely on Test cricket is seen as a benefit.
(5)
Hesson replaced Aaqib Javed, who served as interim head coach after Gary Kirsten quit his job just six months into the contract. Aaqib is now the Director of High Performance and also one of the five voting members on the PCB selection committee.
Hesson’s previous role with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL was also noted. His appointment was considered PCB’s top priority once the position became available.
(6)
This update shows the bigger transformation within PCB’s coaching setup. Alongside Hesson, Ashley Noffke (bowling coach) and Hanif Malik (batting coach) were also appointed. Azhar Mahmood was removed from the assistant coach role as part of this restructuring, but soon got the red-ball head coach responsibility.
This indicates that although the PCB wanted a new direction for the assistant role, they still valued Azhar’s Test cricket experience.
(7)
Mike Hesson’s appointment came just weeks before Bangladesh’s T20I tour to Pakistan, a crucial first test for his leadership. Aaqib Javed officially left his coaching duties after the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, making way for the new staff.
The PCB Chairman also emphasized the combined impact of Mike Hesson and Aaqib Javed, now as White-ball Head Coach of Pakistan and Director of High Performance respectively, expecting them to play a big role in Pakistan cricket’s revival.
Conclusion
With the appointment of Mike Hesson as the white-ball head coach of Pakistan and Azhar Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of Pakistan, the PCB aims to bring structure, experience, and performance back into the national team setup. Both coaches carry a mix of international expertise and success, and their leadership will be under close watch as Pakistan prepares for a busy cricketing calendar, including home series, the WTC cycle, and upcoming ICC events.
These changes reflect a broader strategy by the PCB to address past failures and build a more consistent and professional coaching structure for the future of Pakistani cricket.
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