Former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson has emerged as a leading candidate to take charge of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, potentially succeeding former pacer Aqib Javed in the role.
Hesson, currently the head coach of Islamabad Unitedthree-time champions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL)has reportedly been approached by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
While the PCB had expressed interest in Hesson last year, he declined at the time due to prior commitments. However, fresh discussions are now underway between the two parties.
Though former Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq was also under consideration, Hesson appears to be the frontrunner. The PCB is leaning toward appointing a foreign head coach, continuing a recent trend.
Applicants for the role must hold a Level Three coaching certification, with the board setting a May 4 deadline for submissions. Given the limited pool of available candidates, the PCB is prioritizing a foreign appointment.
Hesson boasts an impressive coaching resume, having guided New Zealand from 2012 to 2018 after succeeding John Wright. He also has experience in high-pressure environments, including coaching stints in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pakistan’s coaching staff has faced significant instability in recent months. Last April, former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie was appointed as Test coach on a two-year deal.
However, after a turbulent tenure marked by inconsistent performances and internal challenges, he resigned in December, just before Pakistan’s home Test series against South Africa.
Gillespie’s exit followed the departure of Gary Kirsten, who stepped down as white-ball head coach in Octoberjust six months into his role.
Reports suggested Kirsten had a strained relationship with PCB officials and struggled to adapt to the team’s management structure.
Following these resignations, former Pakistan pacer Aqib Javed was named interim white-ball coach until the 2025 Champions Trophy.
However, his tenure was extended to include Pakistan’s recent white-ball tour of New Zealand, which featured a five-match T20I series followed by three ODIs.
NBS renovation The second phase of renovation work at the National Bank Stadium Karachi is scheduled to commence immediately after the conclusion of the HBL Pakistan Super League Season 10.
According to preliminary reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will initiate a full re-profiling of the stadium’s stands, followed by a large-scale redevelopment project.
The aim is to bring the infrastructure up to international standards and make the stadium a more inviting and accessible venue for both domestic and international fixtures.
The revamp comes in the wake of noticeably low spectator turnout during HBL PSL 10 matches in Karachi, with many attributing the lack of attendance to the outdated facilities and poor fan experience. Stakeholders are now moving rapidly to address those concerns.
The planned upgrades will include a complete redesign of seating areas, focusing on comfort, space, and improved sightlines. Architectural changes will also improve aesthetics and bring a more contemporary look to the historic stadium.
Entry and exit routes are being restructured to improve crowd flow, enhance safety, and reduce congestion. Parking facilities will also be overhauled, with designated zones aimed at addressing long-standing accessibility issues on match days.
Although a definitive timeline for the project’s completion has not yet been announced, sources indicate that work will begin promptly.
