PCB likely to rope in ex-RCB director of cricket as NEW head coach

India.com

23-04-2025

Mike Hesson.
New Delhi: Following Pakistan's disappointing Champions Trophy performance, and the subsequent end of interim coach Aaqib Javed's contract, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is searching for a permanent replacement. Mike Hesson, previously the Director of Cricket for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is reportedly the leading contender for the position.
Islamabad United's PSL-winning coach, Hesson, is a leading candidate to become Pakistan's next cricket coach. His extensive international and franchise coaching experience makes him a strong contender. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has initiated contact with him and several other foreign coaches, such as Simon Katich (Australia) and Luke Ronchi (New Zealand).
Negotiations are underway to appoint a new coach, though they are in the preliminary phases. While an unnamed PCB official suggests the candidate may accept the position if discussions are successful, it's noteworthy that all three initial candidates initially declined due to prior obligations.
The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) treatment of previous coaches, such as Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn, who were dismissed shortly after the team's World Cup exit despite having existing contracts, is a major factor deterring foreign coaches from considering positions within the organization.
Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten both departed from their coaching roles shortly after significant team setbacks. Gillespie left following a tour of Australia, while Kirsten's resignation followed the team's poor performance in the T20 World Cup and the subsequent disregard of his recommendations.
Pakistan's cricket team has experienced a recent decline in performance. Their poor showing includes a last-place finish in the World Test Championship cycle, a winless Champions Trophy campaign, and only one victory in nine limited-overs matches during their New Zealand tour.