Mike Hesson Confident in Young Pakistan Squad Ahead of Asian Games
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
KARACHI: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson believes the Asian Games will provide valuable international exposure to the country’s emerging cricketers, with the squad set to travel to Japan on Thursday.
Pakistan completed its preparations at the National Stadium’s Oval Ground on Wednesday after holding an intensive three-day training camp in Karachi. Hesson said the players worked on adapting to different pitches and playing conditions expected during the tournament.
“The players have been given extensive practice over the past three days to prepare them for different pitches and conditions,” Hesson told reporters.
The Pakistan squad was selected from a 30-member preliminary list submitted several months ago in accordance with Asian Games regulations. Fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani was not included in that preliminary list and was therefore unavailable for selection in the current squad.
Farhan to Lead Pakistan
With several established players, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan, absent from the squad, Hesson described the team as balanced and aggressive.
He said the tournament would give younger players an opportunity to gain experience at the international level and demonstrate their abilities.
Particular attention will be on opener Sahibzada Farhan, who will captain Pakistan during the Asian Games.
Hesson said the captaincy would help Farhan gain experience of leading the national team and handling pressure in international competition. However, he clarified that his role in Japan would not determine Pakistan’s long-term captaincy plans.
According to Hesson, future leadership decisions will be made by the Pakistan Cricket Board and its selection committee.
Possible India Clash
Pakistan could also face arch-rivals India during the Asian Games, depending on the tournament progression. Hesson acknowledged India’s recent results against Pakistan and said such matches carry particular significance for supporters.
“India have beaten us several times, which is a benchmark for Pakistani fans,” Hesson said.
Hesson Highlights Progress in White-Ball Cricket
Hesson also discussed Pakistan’s recent performances across the three formats, saying the team’s progress should be assessed separately in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
He acknowledged that Test cricket remains an area requiring improvement, particularly following Pakistan’s recent series defeat against England.
However, he pointed to progress in T20I cricket since taking charge, saying Pakistan had improved from eighth to fifth in the rankings during his 15-month tenure.
“When I came in, the T20I team was ranked eighth. At the moment, Pakistan are fifth,” he said.
Hesson added that Pakistan had gained 30 ranking points during the period and secured T20I series victories away from home.
He also said the ODI side had made progress over the past year as preparations continue for the 2027 World Cup.
“We have improved in ODI cricket over the past year. Our team is preparing for the 2027 World Cup,” Hesson said.
Focus on Emerging Fast Bowlers
The coach also highlighted the importance of developing Pakistan’s next generation of fast bowlers while recognising Shaheen Shah Afridi’s experience and quality.
“Our current focus is on developing young and emerging attacking bowlers,” Hesson said.
He added that the team was also working on improving consistency in the top-order batting.
Hesson praised selector Aaqib Javed for his efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s cricket structure and said the team’s preparations in Karachi had provided a solid base ahead of its departure for Nagoya.
Pakistan will now travel to Japan for the 20th Asian Games, where the young squad will look to gain international experience while competing for success in the cricket tournament.
