Mike Hesson Says He Is Open to Permanent Pakistan Test Coach Role
Interim Test coach Mike Hesson said he would be open to leading Pakistan in Tests too, after the 3-0 defeat in England, but his focus is the Asian Games.
By SportCricket Desk · 13 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Mike Hesson has said he would be open to coaching Pakistan’s Test side permanently alongside his white-ball role. The 51-year-old took over as interim Test coach for the third Test against England at Edgbaston after the Pakistan Cricket Board relieved Sarfaraz Ahmed of his duties. Pakistan lost that match by eight wickets and the series 3-0.
Open, but not focused on it yet
Hesson became Pakistan’s limited-overs coach in May 2025 and was asked to cover the Test team temporarily. Asked about doing both jobs long term, he said he would be open to it but had not yet contemplated it. His immediate focus, he said, is the Asian Games, with talk of the Test side’s future coming later.
Belief in the talent
He said he loves Test cricket and thinks Pakistan have enough talent in their system to progress if given good direction.
England link did not progress
Hesson had earlier been linked to England’s head coach vacancy after Brendon McCullum’s time in charge, but nothing came of it because of his commitment to Pakistan’s white-ball side through the 2027 World Cup.
The New Zealander also said he prefers to stay committed to his present roles rather than treat one job as a stepping stone to another. He normally stays in a coaching post for several years before taking a break and looking for a new challenge.
