WEBDESK: Newly appointed head coach Mike Hesson is ready to reshape the future of Pakistan cricket with a more modern and fast-paced approach. Since taking charge, Hesson has made it clear that he wants the team to adopt smarter, more aggressive cricket to match the global standard.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Mike Hesson said his focus is on building a team that can play consistently and confidently under pressure.
“We want to play modern cricket that’s both aggressive and intelligent,” he stated. He emphasized that it’s not just about hitting big shots, but about playing smart in all areas of the game.
“We want to play a high pace game with depth of batting and lots of different bowling options,” he told reporters on the sidelines of Pakistan’s first practice session for the series at the iconic venue.
Hesson also addressed the absence of senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the upcoming T20 series against Bangladesh. While praising both as top-class players and key figures in the white-ball format, Mike Hesson noted that there are still areas where they need to improve. “Babar and Rizwan are part of our white-ball strategy, but we’re working on aspects that can make them even better,” he added.
“Those players that aren’t involved doesn’t mean they’re out of contention but it means that they need to improve in certain areas,” Hesson said about the veteran duo. “Babar is well aware of that and and he’s making some good strides.”
Unlike past coaches, Hesson, after taking charge officially on May 26th, is closely involved in the selection process and is working side-by-side with captain Salman Ali Agha to shape the team.
Looking ahead, Mike Hesson sees the upcoming matches against Bangladesh as a good test. He praised Bangladesh’s progress, especially in fast bowling and batting depth, and said Pakistan would not take them lightly.
Hesson has signed a two-year deal with the Pakistan Cricket Board, covering both the T20 World Cup and the 50-over World Cup. With over 30 T20 matches scheduled before the global tournament, Mike Hesson hopes to use this time to build a squad that can compete at the highest level.
