Revamp in Pakistan cricket
Aaqib returns as Director High Performance, Mike Hesson named White-Ball Head Coach
Asher Butt
In a significant shake-up within the Pakistan cricketing
structure, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made two high-profile
appointments aimed at injecting fresh vision and stability into the national
setup. Former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed has been named Director High
Performance, while renowned New Zealand coach Mike Hesson takes over as the white-ball
head coach of the men’s national team, with his tenure beginning on May 26,
2025.
These appointments are part of PCB's broader strategy to
professionalize its coaching and development framework and ensure Pakistan
remains competitive across formats on the international stage.
Aaqib Javed returns to NCA in key strategic role
A familiar face in Pakistan cricket, Aaqib Javed has been
reappointed to a central position at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) — now
renamed the High Performance Centre. He takes over as Director High Performance
after years of coaching and developmental work both at the domestic and
international levels.
Aaqib, who represented Pakistan in 22 Test matches and
163 ODIs between 1988 and 1998, previously held coaching roles at the NCA and
served as interim national head coach. Most recently, he was the Director
Cricket Operations and Bowling Consultant for Lahore Qalandars from 2016 to
2024, overseeing their PSL 2023 championship run and mentoring a number of
young fast bowlers who’ve gone on to represent Pakistan.
Speaking about Aaqib’s return, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi
stated: "To strengthen our cricket infrastructure, we are pleased to
welcome Aaqib Javed as the Director of High Performance. His appointment,
alongside Mike Hesson as the white-ball Head Coach, marks a significant step
forward in our strategic vision for Pakistan Cricket."
In his new role, Aaqib will oversee all aspects of
high-performance development—from grassroots programs to the national
team—focusing on player development, coaching standards, sports science
integration, and performance tracking.
Meanwhile, the white-ball coaching reins have been handed
to Mike Hesson, a respected name in international coaching circles. Best known
for guiding New Zealand to the final of the 2015 ICC World Cup, Hesson has also
coached Kenya and Argentina, and played a pivotal role in domestic cricket with
Otago and, more recently, Islamabad United, whom he led to PSL 2024 victory.
He replaces Aaqib Javed, who had served as interim head
coach following Gary Kirsten’s departure in late 2024.
Hesson’s appointment was confirmed after a thorough
selection process following Pakistan’s recent tour of New Zealand. His
credentials stood out for his ability to rebuild teams, emphasize player
development, and deliver results in high-pressure tournaments.
“Mike brings with him a wealth of international
experience and a proven track record of developing competitive sides,” said
Chairman Naqvi. “We look forward to his expertise and leadership in shaping the
future of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket. Welcome to the team, Mike!”
Hesson’s immediate focus will be on preparing the
Pakistan team for upcoming ODI and T20I series as the PCB seeks to revamp its
approach to limited-overs cricket.
A vision for the future
The dual appointments of Hesson and Aaqib underscore a
renewed commitment by the PCB to align its coaching, selection, and
high-performance structures with international best practices. With one eye on upcoming
ICC events, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, and the other on developing a
sustainable player pipeline, the PCB is looking to build a cohesive and
results-oriented team culture.
By bringing together Aaqib’s deep-rooted understanding of
Pakistan cricket and Hesson’s global perspective, the board aims to bridge the
gap between potential and performance—on the field and beyond.
These developments have been met with optimism within
cricketing circles. With a proven local mentor returning to the fold and a
world-class coach set to helm the white-ball squads, Pakistan cricket appears
to be entering a new phase of professionalism and direction.
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