The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced a provisional coaching lineup for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. This decision comes amid the ongoing recruitment process for permanent coaching staff, as the board continues to reshape its support system for the national squad.
Mike Hesson to Serve as Head Coach
Renowned cricket strategist Mike Hesson has been appointed as the interim head coach for the series. Hesson, who has previously served as head coach of New Zealand and held key roles in franchise cricket, brings a wealth of international experience to the Pakistani dressing room. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to guide the team through a transitionary period while the PCB finalizes long-term staff decisions.
Coaching and Support Roles Filled Temporarily
Alongside Hesson, several temporary appointments have been made to ensure the team has adequate support during the series. Hanif Malik will serve as the batting coach, while Australia’s Ashley Noffke has been named the bowling coach. Mohammad Masroor will take charge as the fielding coach.
These appointments are on an interim basis and will be reviewed following the series, depending on the performance and PCB’s ongoing recruitment process.
Naveed Akram Cheema Named Team Manager
Veteran cricket administrator Naveed Akram Cheema has returned to the national fold as team manager. Cheema is a seasoned figure in Pakistan cricket administration, having held this role in several high-profile tours and tournaments in the past.
Full Temporary Support Staff Announced
In addition to the main coaching roles, the PCB has assembled a comprehensive support team to manage the squad’s off-field needs:
- Cliff Deacon – Physiotherapist
- Imranullah – Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Talha Ijaz – Team Analyst
- Dr. Ali Mustafa – Team Analyst
- Irtaza Kumail – Security Manager
- Syed Naeem Ahmed – Media Manager
The presence of two analysts, Talha Ijaz and Dr. Ali Mustafa, highlights PCB’s intent to bring data-driven decision-making into team strategies.
Recruitment Process Still Ongoing
Interestingly, these temporary appointments come just days after the PCB advertised vacancies for multiple coaching positions. On May 20, the board posted job listings on its official website for the roles of batting coach, fielding coach, and strength and conditioning coach. The application deadline for these positions is June 6 at 5 PM.
This implies that the current staff is serving only until permanent selections are made, which could occur shortly after the Bangladesh series concludes.
T20I Series Set to Begin on May 28
The three-match T20I series against Bangladesh is scheduled to begin on May 28 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The series holds significant importance as Pakistan continues to prepare for upcoming ICC events, including the T20 World Cup.
The Bangladesh series will provide an opportunity for the newly appointed interim staff to test their synergy with the players and give selectors an insight into team dynamics under new leadership.
Strategic Significance of Interim Appointments
While these are temporary roles, they carry strategic weight. The PCB is seemingly using this series as a testing ground not only for players but also for the potential long-term coaching setup. Mike Hesson’s inclusion, in particular, has sparked discussions in the cricketing circles, with some speculating that the PCB might consider him for a more permanent position if his tenure proves successful.
The PCB’s decision to implement a temporary coaching and support structure demonstrates a careful approach in finding the right long-term fit for the national team. With a mix of experienced professionals and emerging coaching talent, the series against Bangladesh promises to be a critical test—not just for the players, but also for the backroom staff tasked with preparing and guiding them.
