Srinagar: Pakistan new head coach Mike Hesson has opened about taking the challenging job in the backdrop of the Pakistan cricket’s turbulent history.
Speaking on the PCB Podcast, the 50-year-old former New Zealand coach outlined the mindset and planning behind taking up one of the most scrutinised roles in world cricket.
“I’ve come in with my eyes wide open,” Hesson said. “I knew the history, I knew the challenges.”
“So before accepting the job, I made sure to have extensive conversations with the key stakeholders — the NCA, selectors, senior players, and the PCB chairman. The main thing was ensuring we’re all on the same page.”
“I don’t want to be here for six months, enjoy a few highs or survive a few lows, and then leave,” he added. “For me, this is a medium-term project — and that means putting in the hard yards, even away from tours.”
He stressed that a crucial part of his coaching philosophy is developing a deep understanding of the players before demanding performances.
“As head coach, my job is to get the best out of the players — and that starts with understanding them. You have to make them feel the expectations placed on them, not just tell them,” he explained.
“We’re constantly in meetings, setting up frameworks, and aligning our goals. Real change doesn’t happen three or four days before a series — especially when we’re talking about technical adjustments in fielding, bowling, or batting.”
Mike Hesson, who began his tenure with a 3-0 T20I whitewash over Bangladesh, also touched on his trust in newly appointed T20I captain Salman Ali Agha.
“I trust Salman, which is why you won’t see me constantly sending messages during matches. I believe in giving the players space to make decisions,” he noted.
“More than anything, I want the people of Pakistan to feel proud when they watch their team play. That’s the kind of connection we’re trying to build — something deeper, something lasting,” he concluded.