(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Mike Hesson Reflects on Pakistan’s T20 Journey, Eyes Consistency and Depth Ahead of Asia Cup
Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, has shared his honest take on the national T20 team’s recent performance, highlighting areas of growth while acknowledging room for improvement as the team builds towards upcoming major tournaments.
Following the conclusion of the recent T20I series against Bangladesh, Hesson took to social media to offer fans insight into Pakistan’s current standing and future ambitions. “Currently sitting 8th in the world, we need to create depth and competition for places,” he said, adding that consistency and the right playing style are crucial for long-term success at events like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.
Progress Amid Challenges
Reflecting on the six T20Is played under his tenure so far, Hesson said the experience provided “valuable insights” into the squad’s adaptability. “Mirpur… certainly tested our adaptability,” he noted, while also appreciating how the players learned and adjusted after early struggles.
The coach praised the performance of newcomers, with players like Salman Mirza and Ahmed Daniyal stepping up and impressing during their debut outings. Their emergence marks a positive step in Pakistan’s efforts to build bench strength and inject fresh energy into the team.
Building for the Future
Hesson commended the hard work of the specialist coaches at both the tour and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore, especially for their role in nurturing young bowlers. “Our coaching staff has been vital in shaping future talent,” he added.
While the Bangladesh series had its challenges, Hesson remains optimistic. “We’re starting to look like an international side,” he wrote, signaling that Pakistan is gradually evolving into a more balanced and competitive unit.
Looking Ahead: West Indies Tour & Asia Cup
Pakistan’s next white-ball assignment is a T20I and ODI tour of the West Indies, with matches scheduled across Florida and Trinidad later this month. The tour will also mark Mike Hesson’s first series in charge of the ODI side.
With the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup looming, Hesson’s focus on player development, squad depth, and consistency under pressure is beginning to shape the national team’s new direction.
“We’re building towards something stronger,” he concluded, encouraging fans to stay hopeful for a brighter and more competitive future for Pakistan cricket.
