Pakistan’s new white-ball coach, Mike Hesson, believes the traditional concept of specialist T20 batters is “outdated” and plans to foster a team of multi-skilled players with flexible roles, sharp fielding, and a team-first mindset. He indicated that the recent 3-0 T20I series win against Bangladesh reflects the aggressive brand of cricket he intends to implement.
“You have to be multi-skilled,” Hesson stated in an interview with the PCB. He emphasized the need for captains to have numerous bowling options based on matchups, allowing flexibility to pick the best bowlers on any given day. This approach aims for the team to be “above par with the bat and…below par with the ball.” This strategy was evident in the Bangladesh series, where Pakistan used eight bowlers in one game (a joint-T20I record) and seven in the other two, with players like Salman Agha and Saim Ayub also contributing with the ball. Hesson applied similar tactics successfully during his two seasons with Islamabad United in the PSL.
This is part of a broader cultural overhaul Hesson, appointed last month, hopes to implement, echoing some of Mickey Arthur’s efforts between 2016 and 2019 to improve Pakistan’s fitness and fielding. Hesson stressed the critical importance of fielding in white-ball cricket, asserting there’s “no room in a squad for somebody that can’t [field].” He recognized the challenges foreign coaches have faced in Pakistan but accepted the role with “eyes wide open,” ensuring the PCB aligned with his medium-term vision, focusing on a shift towards aggressive, smart cricket rather than immediate, unsustainable results.
“There was a shift in terms of the PCB recognising that they needed to make change around the way that they wanted to play white ball cricket,” Hesson said. He aims to add structure and help players maximize their talent. He acknowledged that results won’t be instant, emphasizing the need for patience and collective understanding from the NCA, chairman, selectors, and senior players about the process towards peaking for pinnacle events.
While not explicitly naming them, Hesson hinted at the potential return of high-profile players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who were not in his initial squad. He clarified that the door is “not shut” on anyone but players must understand the clear expectations and requirements for breaking into the team. Hesson intends to communicate directly with players who are dropped or left out, a key responsibility of a national head coach.
