The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially appointed Mike Hesson as the new white-ball head coach of the national men's team. The former New Zealand coach will assume his duties on May 26, although the exact length of his contract remains undisclosed.

Hesson, 50, boasts a rich coaching résumé, having led the New Zealand men’s team from 2012 to 2018—a period marked by significant improvement and consistency across all formats. He also guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League between 2019 and 2023, and most recently led Islamabad United to the 2024 Pakistan Super League title.

His first assignment as Pakistan's coach is expected to be the T20I series against Bangladesh, although the schedule is still subject to final confirmation. Hesson replaces interim coach Aqib Javed, who stepped in following Gary Kirsten’s abrupt departure just six months into his two-year term.

Aqib Javed has now been named the PCB's High-Performance Director and will remain involved in team selections. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised Hesson’s credentials and expressed optimism about Pakistan’s white-ball future under his leadership.

“Mike brings vast international experience and a strong record of building competitive teams. We are confident that his leadership will reinvigorate Pakistan’s white-ball cricket,” said Naqvi in a press release.

With Hesson’s appointment, PCB is banking on experience and proven success to navigate a fresh path in white-ball formats.