Mike Hesson

International Cricket Coach - Currently Pakistan 🇵🇰- Formerly @IsbUnited @blackcaps 🇳🇿 @RCBTweets Agent: [email protected] - Instagram @mike_hesson

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

#Kohli and #Williamson Two amazing players......let’s look at some of the differences
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#CWC19 @StarSportsIndia #SelectDugout @cricketworldcup #coachhesson #BACKTHEBLACKCAPS

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

I've been hearing a bit of chatter about the pitches here in Pakistan not being the ideal preparation for the World Cup in South Africa. It’s actually a topic I talked about on the latest #PCB podcast.

Firstly the World Cup is jointly hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Zimbabwe and Namibia have venues where spin is a big factor and we will be playing matches in those countries.

The myth of all pitches in South Africa being quick and bouncy are just not true, there are definitely some which are but they also vary throughout the country.

Those that remember the last ODI series Pakistan played in SA which included Paarl where spin dictated the outcome of the match. Rest assured we have competed significant research and will be using the next 18 months to prepare for a variety of conditions.

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Delighted to see the Shaheen’s take out the title last night. Incredibly proud of what they have achieved, a bunch of passionate, hard-working, talented young men and support staff. I have seen how hard the boys have been working at the camps, they deserve every success! #PakistanCricket

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

As we quickly shift our focus back to T20’s today I wanted to take a little time to reflect on what has happened over the last week.
A 3-0 win against a dangerous Sri Lankan side is a proud achievement for the whole team! But it was a series filled with so many more highlights and achievements than just the wins.
Stand out performances from our youngest squad members, a bowling group that fought back in every match, two centuries from key players, a new captain quickly growing into the role, a corner stone player achieving 100 caps for Pakistan and the whole squad contributed throughout the series which continues to grows our depth for future series.
These are only some of the achievements that add up to wins and what drives me in my coaching.
#PakistanCricket

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Delighted with the ODI series win this weekend, thank you Faisalabad for being wonderful hosts.
Thank you South Africa for a very hard fought series and safe travels home ✈️
Still lots to work on as an ODI side but happy with the progress we are making as a team 🏆 #PakistanCricket

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Babar is timing the ball and moving nicely at the crease.
#coachhesson #babarazam #pcb #pakistan #pakistancricket

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

It’s been 41 years coming for a Pakistan v India Asia Cup Final. Tonight’s game should be a cracker #indiavspakistan #pakistan #coachhesson #cricketcoaching #pakistan #pakistancricketteam🏏🇵🇰

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Proud of the spirit this team has shown in the lead up and during the Asia Cup. We may not have been perfect but I can assure we never give up. #coachhesson

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Things you might not know ahead of tomorrow’s final….

Back in 2005/06 I employed Jonathan Trott as the first overseas player for Otago Volts back in New Zealand, he was outstanding for us as a player.
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Now we go head to head with a different battle on our hands, the final of the Tri-series at Sharjah. Both coaching proud cricketing nations.
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Pakistan are growing nicely as a team 🇵🇰 certainly not perfect yet but having won 9 of our 13 T20I’s since I’ve come onboard, it’s certainly a big improvement from where we were.
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Should be a cracking game between two rival nations.
🇵🇰 vs 🇦🇫

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

These back-to-back wins are dedicated to everyone affected by the floods in Pakistan. Some people are really struggling and we are praying for safety and strength for all those affected back in Pakistan. 🇵🇰❤️

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

We’ve put together what we believe is a highly competitive squad following the recent T20I series. Excited to see some fresh faces stepping up alongside our experienced senior players. A great blend of energy & experience for the Tri-Nation series & Asia Cup.
Our squad features five front line seamers to adapt according to UAE conditions, along with two attacking mystery spinners. With depth in batting, much improved fielding side along with the bowlers mentioned above we overall have an excellent balanced squad.
#Pakistanzindabad 🇵🇰

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Currently sitting 8th in the world we need to create depth and competition for places as well as play a style of cricket that can give us more consistency over time, especially at key event like Asia Cup and World Cups.

First 6 games on two contrasting pitches gave us key insights. A young batting group shone with 200+ scores early. Mirpur which is the lowest scoring venue in T20I’s certainly tested our adaptability and after struggling early we fought back and showed an ability to learn with experience.

New players stepped up, showing promise and in some instances excelling. Specialist Coaches have played a key role in developing bowlers both here and at the NCA.

Fielding was a huge step up in last two matches and were starting to look like an International fielding side. Onwards. 🇵🇰 #PAK #therealpcbmedia

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Great to be back in 🇵🇰 Pakistan and answering all your questions! Looking forward to working with the boys and growing the team 🏏 #training #team #pcb #pakistancricket

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart @AliNaqvi808 🤝

[Ali Naqvi @AliNaqvi808]

Congrats and Best Wishes, Mike!

“Let’s do it. Welcome to Islamabad United (IU), Coach!”, I gave him a thumbs-up, ended the Zoom call, and felt a quiet sense of satisfaction on that late October afternoon in 2023. I had spoken to Mike Hesson for the first time just a few days earlier, and it was immediately clear to me that he was the perfect fit for Islamabad United.

Since the inception of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2016, my focus as the owner of Islamabad United has been to build the best possible management team. My role is to set the broad framework—on and off the field—finalize the strategy with the team, and then let them execute it during the season. After each season, we conduct a formal review: written reports from each manager, deep-dive sessions into every area, and a strategic reset for the next season.

The Need for Change
PSL 8 wasn’t our strongest season (by IU standards!). My key takeaway was that we needed more experience in the dressing room—specifically, a new head coach who could lead our existing coaching team and bring a fresh perspective.

Every franchise has its own unique culture. At Islamabad United, we pride ourselves on being a close-knit unit. So, bringing in a senior figure as a potential change agent required careful consideration. We needed someone strategic, analytical, and data-driven—yet calm, grounded, and respected enough to integrate seamlessly into our environment.

Why Mike Hesson?
By mid-2023, I had taken it upon myself to lead the search for a new head coach. We kept the process discreet and eventually shortlisted three names—two of them legends in their playing days, and the third, Mike Hesson.

I interviewed all three of them.

After my first call with Mike, I was convinced. He was strategic, analytical, and—most importantly—level-headed. He was exactly what Islamabad United needed.

Over the last two seasons, I’ve come to know Mike even better. Here’s what stood out:

Strategic Vision: He doesn’t just plan for the next game—he thinks long-term, building a roadmap for sustained success.

Analytical Mindset: He leverages data and embraces modern approaches to the game.

Calm Leadership: In the high-pressure environment of professional cricket, his composure is invaluable. He communicates clearly, holds his ground, and executes with precision.

Player-Centric Approach: Mike isn’t one for loud locker-room speeches. Instead, he focuses on one-on-one conversations—helping players understand their roles, refine their strengths, and stay focused.

A New Chapter
So, when the PCB came calling, I wasn’t surprised. Islamabad United has a proud history of preparing not just players, but also management talent for Pakistan cricket. Mike’s appointment is a continuation of that legacy.

As he takes on this new challenge, all of us at the #ISLUFamily wish him the very best. He has the right mix of experience, intellect, and temperament to unlock the potential of Pakistan’s immensely talented players.

I sincerely hope the PCB gives him the time and space—at least 12 to 24 months—to make a meaningful impact. He will be missed at Islamabad United, but he now has a bigger, more impactful task ahead.

Godspeed, Mike. You’ll always be part of the ISLU family.

#UnitedWeWin

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Enjoyed the training session today at the NCA. Important opportunity for our coaching team to get to know some of the wider squad and of course the players getting to know us too. #PakistanCricket

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

My first series with the Pakistan team couldn’t have gone any better! We set out to challenge ourselves—testing different combinations, staying flexible with the batting, and pushing our limits with the ball. Really proud of how this young group responded. #Pakistan #PakvsBan

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Certainly not a natural dancer, but I gave it a go 🕺🤣

[Islamabad United @IsbUnited]

When the points come home, the moves come out 💃🕺

@CoachHesson, @MHanifMalik8, and @rummanraees15 celebrating the Win style! This one’s for the vibe! 😎

#UnitedWeWin #3xChampions #4TheDream #HBLPSLX

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Nice to be back lads 🤝 ****

[Islamabad United @IsbUnited]

🧠 @CoachHesson, eyes everywhere, plans in motion.

The engine room was already in top gear on Day 1. 🏎️

#UnitedWeWin #3xChampions #4TheDream #HBLPSLX

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Fortunately I am one of a smallish group that can multitask 😉

[pardeep sharma @prady7777]

@CoachHesson @YouTube Ye better coack your psl team then strategizing ipl 😆😆

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

#RCBvMI - Mike Hesson Previews teams Royal Challengers Bengaluru to at h... https://t.co/aBcP0X86Ow via @YouTube

[Mike Hesson @CoachHesson]

Unfortunately am out of action on YouTube for a couple of days travelling so won’t be able to do previews or reviews for latest @IPL matches 🤷‍♂️
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Not a short journey Dunedin-Auckland-Dubai-Islamabad.
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Looking forward to joining everyone at @IsbUnited again for @thePSLt20
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#CoachHesson