Pakistan head coach aims to build sustainable cricket legacy

LAHORE: Newly appointed Pakistan men’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has offered an in-depth look into his coaching philosophy, ambitions, and the challenges ahead.

In an interview, Hesson, known for transforming New Zealand into a competitive white-ball side, shared a blueprint for how he plans to elevate Pakistan cricket to global prominence. “Coaching is different from playing — it’s about maximizing talent and helping individuals grow.”

Drawing on years of experience coaching elite players globally, Hesson emphasized the importance of earning players’ trust through communication, empathy, and a clear sense of purpose.

A recurring theme in the conversation was Hesson’s holistic and individualized coaching style. “You can only coach a player once you understand the path they’ve been through,” he explained. “My approach is not to dictate how they must play, but to work around who they are and where they’re headed. It’s about seeing the person behind the cricketer.”

The 49-year-old New Zealander, who previously worked with Islamabad United in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), credits that experience for helping him familiarize himself with the local player pool.

“My PSL stint gave me a window into Pakistan cricket’s culture, talent, and work ethic,” he said, adding that his deeper immersion into the domestic circuit will now be part of his responsibilities as head coach. Discussing the balance between tactics, team culture, and technical guidance in white-ball cricket, Hesson underlined the significance of establishing expectations through pre-match preparation.

“It’s essential for players to know what’s expected of them. Culture evolves through communication. From a technical point of view, I observe before I intervene,” he noted. His methodology aims to combine careful analysis with timely support, allowing players the space to grow while still maintaining a structured, performance-driven environment.

On match days, Hesson adopts a supportive but non-intrusive role, reinforcing the captain’s authority on the field. Speaking about current white-ball skipper Salman Ali Agha, he said, “We do most of the planning before the game. Once we’re at the ground, it’s Salman’s time. I trust him to lead. I’ll offer options if needed, but I won’t interfere unless absolutely necessary.”

Looking ahead, Hesson is also eyeing long-term player development, and sees scouting as a crucial component of his role. “Pakistan is a vast country with immense talent. While I can’t be everywhere, I’ll definitely focus on identifying groups of emerging players,” he said.

He stressed the importance of establishing a clear pathway for domestic cricketers to graduate to the national team, ensuring that selections are based on performance and potential. “We’re looking for players who are multi-skilled, highly fit, exceptional in the field, and who understand the demands of their roles,” he added.

When asked what legacy he hopes to leave behind, Hesson was clear and heartfelt. “I want the public to be proud of this team — to say this is a side that gives everything, that plays tough, and earns respect. Win or lose, they’ll make life tough for the opposition. And if I walk away and everything collapses, then I haven’t done my job. Sustainability and succession planning are just as important as results.”