Mike Hesson to remain Pakistan’s interim Test head coach until end of WTC cycle

New Delhi: is set to continue as Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach until the end of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, reports PTI. The New Zealander took charge of Pakistan’s Test team during its disappointing England tour two months ago, but the PCB has now secured his services for the remainder of the cycle.

“Hesson will also be interim head coach for next year’s Test series against New Zealand. The board and head coach have both conveyed this to the players as well,” the source told PTI.

He was initially appointed Pakistan’s white-ball head coach in May 2025 before subsequently accepting the additional responsibility of managing the Test side on an interim basis after Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked midway through the England tour.

“Hesson’s association with Pakistan cricket will be reviewed after next year’s World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. It will also then be decided who will be the head coach of the Test side for the next cycle of the World Test Championship,” the source added.

Mike Hesson’s growing influence in Pakistan cricket sparks debate

Hesson’s growing authority within Pakistan cricket has drawn mixed reactions in the cricket fraternity. He has been given considerable powers by the board in selection and other key cricketing decisions.

Even the Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam revealed that he had no role in team selection matters, with those decisions taken by the team management and selection committee. He further added that his job was to get the best out of the 15-16 players available to him.

The source also said that Hesson is very close to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who trusts him with all decisions regarding Pakistan cricket. Several former players have criticised Hesson’s tendency to frequently reshuffle the squad and make regular changes to the playing XI across formats.