The Mike Hesson Pakistan coach arrangement for the red-ball side is likely to continue, sources say, although the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet made an official announcement. Hesson, a New Zealander who is currently Pakistan's white-ball head coach, is expected to stay in charge of the Test team for the two-match series against Sri Lanka. The first Test is scheduled at Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13, and the second at Lahore from November 17 to 21. The series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
Interim role after the England tour
The PCB made major changes to its coaching setup after a heavy defeat in the second Test against England at Lord's. Sarfaraz Ahmed was removed as Test head coach, and bowling coach Umar Gul was also relieved of his duties. Hesson then took interim charge of the Test team for the third and final match against England, and he kept that role for the rest of the series while continuing as white-ball coach. The board also released seven players from the Test squad and brought in seven replacements.
Hesson on the Test job
Hesson has said he would be open to continuing beyond his interim role. Speaking after the third Test against England in September, he said he loves Test cricket and believes Pakistan has enough talent to make progress with good direction. He cautioned that the change “is certainly not going to happen in a game or two”, and that improvement would take time. He also recently guided the white-ball side to a 2-1 win in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, and praised T20I captain Sahibzada Farhan's leadership after it. No official decision on the Test role has been announced yet.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- September: After the third Test against England, Hesson said he was open to a longer Test role.
- After the second Test at Lord's: The PCB removed Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul, and Hesson was given interim Test charge. The reports do not give a date.
- October 14, 2026: Sources said Hesson is likely to continue for the Sri Lanka series, but the PCB had not made an announcement.
- October 15, 2026: Reports repeated that an official decision was still awaited.
- November 9 to 13, 2026: First Test at Rawalpindi.
- November 17 to 21, 2026: Second Test at Lahore.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Mike Hesson ke Test team ke coach rehne ka imkaan hai, lekin PCB ne abhi official elaan nahi kiya. Woh abhi white-ball team ke coach hain aur Test team ko interim taur par sambhal rahe hain. Sri Lanka ke khilaf do Test matches 9 November ko Rawalpindi se shuru honge. Aam fans ke liye iska matlab hai ke team ki direction ka faisla abhi PCB ke haath mein hai.
