LAHORE: Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is likely to retain charge of the national Test team for the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expected to continue with the interim arrangement, according to reports.
The New Zealander was given temporary responsibility for Pakistan’s red-ball side ahead of the third and final Test against England following a major shake-up in the coaching setup after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat in the second Test at Lord’s.
Hesson took over after former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was removed from the position of Test head coach. Bowling coach Umar Gul was also relieved of his duties as part of the restructuring.
His possible continuation would give Pakistan some continuity in the Test setup as the team prepares for an important assignment in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.
Hesson Open to Taking Permanent Test Role
Hesson has already indicated that he would consider continuing as Pakistan’s Test coach beyond his interim assignment, expressing confidence in the talent available within the country’s cricketing system.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, the 51-year-old said he remained passionate about Test cricket and believed Pakistan had the potential to make progress with the right guidance and direction.
“I’d be open to it for sure. I love Test cricket, and I think there’s enough talent within the system in Pakistan that, if we can provide some good direction, we can make some strides forward,” Hesson said.
He also cautioned that improvements would require time, stressing that meaningful progress could not be expected within just one or two matches.
The remarks suggested that Hesson was willing to take on the challenge of rebuilding Pakistan’s red-ball fortunes, although his reported continuation for the Sri Lanka series remains subject to confirmation from the PCB.
PCB Makes Changes After England Test Defeat
Pakistan’s coaching reshuffle followed their heavy loss to England at Lord’s, prompting the PCB to make significant changes to the Test team’s support structure and playing squad.
Ahead of the third Test against England, seven players were released from the squad and replaced by an equal number of new selections as the board sought to alter the team’s approach.
Hesson was subsequently entrusted with the Test side for the final match of the series while continuing in his established role as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach.
His potential continuation against Sri Lanka would extend that responsibility into another crucial red-ball assignment and provide the team with an opportunity to build greater consistency under the revised setup.
Pakistan Prepare for Crucial Sri Lanka Tests
The two-match series against Sri Lanka will form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27, making the fixtures important for Pakistan’s campaign in the competition.
The opening Test is scheduled to be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, followed by the second match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
With the series approaching, Pakistan will look to strengthen their performances in the longest format after the changes made following the England defeat.
Whether Hesson eventually receives a permanent Test coaching appointment remains unclear. For now, his reported continuation for the Sri Lanka series would give Pakistan an opportunity to assess his leadership of the red-ball side while preparing for the demands of the World Test Championship.
