Since the contract of interim coach Aqib Javed ended in February of this year, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now searching for a permanent coach for the national team. Mike Hesson, the coach of Islamabad United, is reportedly open to joining Pakistan's senior men team as the new head coach.

Mike Hesson holds rich coaching experience, having coached New Zealand from 2012 to 2018, even guiding them to the 2015 World Cup final. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he was also the forner Director of Cricket Operations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

According to the reports floating in the Pakistan media, Hesson who guided Islamabad United to a championship last season while serving as their head coach in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), is an excellent candidate and a top contender for the position because of his background in both franchise and international cricket.

PCB has already gotten in touch with him along with a few other overseas names like Australian Simon Katich and New Zealand's current batting coach Luke Ronchi.

When Aqib Javed's tenure ended following a miserable Champions Trophy group stage exit, the PCB's pursuit intensified. Although Saqlain Mushtaq was taken into consideration, Hesson's name has gained recognition because of his proven track record and the PCB's prior interest in him in 2019 and 2024.

However, Hesson has previously declined offers owing to other obligations, and his availability is dubious. The PCB aims to ratify the appointment before Pakistan’s white-ball trip of New Zealand, which begins March 16, 2026. Although Hesson has not commented publicly, sources indicate that the PCB may formally approach him soon.

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