A Man in Demand
There are not many coaches who can say they have turned down England and are still very much in the frame for a major international role. Mike Hesson is one of them. The 51-year-old New Zealander, currently serving as Pakistan's limited-overs coach since his appointment in May 2025, has made it clear he would welcome the chance to extend his remit to the Test arena on a full-time basis — and given what he has already seen of Pakistan's talent pool, he believes the opportunity is a genuinely exciting one.
"I'll be open to it, for sure. I love Test cricket," Hesson said. "There's enough talent around the system in Pakistan that if we can provide some good direction, we can make some strides forward."
Stepping In at Edgbaston
Hesson's introduction to Pakistan's Test set-up came under difficult circumstances. Sarfaraz Ahmed had been carrying out interim coaching duties but was relieved of his responsibilities after Pakistan suffered comprehensive defeats at Headingley and Lord's. Hesson was drafted in as a replacement for the third Test at Edgbaston, though his debut in the role did not yield the result he would have wanted — England winning by eight wickets. Nevertheless, those close to the squad noted some positive signs beneath the surface, and Hesson himself seemed encouraged enough to consider the longer-term picture seriously.
"It's certainly not going to happen in a game or two, but I think there is some skill there I'd certainly be considering looking after," he added. For Pakistan, who have struggled for Test consistency in recent years, the prospect of a coach with Hesson's pedigree taking a sustained interest will be welcomed — and the betting markets on Pakistan's next series are likely to reflect any confirmed appointment with a tightening of their outright odds.
The England Approach He Declined
Perhaps the most intriguing subplot to this story is Hesson's revelation that the England and Wales Cricket Board contacted his representatives about the possibility of replacing Brendon McCullum, who was sacked as England's Test coach in July. England ultimately appointed fellow New Zealander Stephen Fleming, but Hesson was clearly among those considered for the role.
"I was contacted by my agent to say there had been an approach to have a discussion around my availability, as I'm sure many people were," Hesson explained. "I made it pretty clear I had committed to Pakistan." It is a telling statement — one that speaks to a man who values loyalty and sees his professional commitments through to their natural conclusion. Hesson coached New Zealand for six years between 2012 and 2018, a tenure that produced some of the most memorable cricket the Black Caps have ever played.
The Bigger Picture for Pakistan Cricket
From a coaching perspective, Pakistan's Test side represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The talent is undeniable, but translating that into consistent results at the highest level has proved elusive. A coach of Hesson's experience — someone who transformed New Zealand into genuine Test contenders — could provide exactly the structural clarity Pakistan's setup requires.
Whether the PCB moves swiftly to offer Hesson a formal dual role remains to be seen, but one thing seems clear: Hesson is not simply keeping his options open as a matter of diplomatic politeness. He sounds like a man who genuinely wants the job. For Pakistan cricket fans, that will be an encouraging note on which to end a difficult summer series.
