
Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has come under fire following the national side’s disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after serious questions were raised over his planning, authority and man-management.
While there is no immediate indication that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) intends to remove him from his post, sources said the board will formally warn Hessan that poor planning and unilateral decision-making could harm the team’s performance.
Senior officials are currently reviewing his conduct with the team and are expected to scrutinize the tour report before holding detailed discussions with the coach.
Well-placed sources say that neither the selection committee nor captain Salman Ali Agha have been able to challenge Hessen’s authority, with the coach said to have more control over team affairs.
Hesson has signed a two-year contract with PCB and the team is committed to maintaining stability in the head coach’s role.
During the match, several Pakistani players reportedly approached PCB officials individually and complained about the coach’s behaviour.
Insiders allege that his tough approach and ill-advised decisions have left the dressing room in disarray.
It is further said that important matters are decided without consulting the captain as Hesson often intervenes in all aspects of team management.
Reports suggest that decisions about the batting order and playing eleven – including the removal of Faqar Zaman, Khawaja Nafe and Abrar Ahmed – were taken by the head coach.
He was also given significant authority in the Selection Committee.
After the defeat, Aleem Dar resigned from his post, prompting questions as to why he endorsed the team if he believed it was flawed.
Critics argue that raising concerns only after removal does little to address deep-seated structural problems.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Dar felt increasingly left out during the selection discussions and was particularly opposed to the inclusion of Babar Azam, Shatab Khan and Usman Khan in the squad for the tournament.
The 57-year-old has made wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan the key no. Argued for a promotion to No.6, Rizwan deserves the same level of confidence if random players are given chances.
Controversy also arose following the resignation of former Test head coach Jason Gillespie after making serious allegations against Aqib Javed. Viewers are now questioning Agib Javed’s silence on recent selection matters.
Grandmother of Abdul Majid
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