Mike Hesson’s reported involvement in Pakistan’s Test affairs has intensified speculation over Sarfaraz Ahmed’s position after the Lord’s defeat.
LONDON: Pakistan’s coaching setup could be heading for another change, with red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed’s future reportedly uncertain following the team’s disappointing Test series in England.
The speculation intensified after Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s, exposing continued problems with batting consistency, execution and partnerships.
According to reports, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who initially travelled to London with High Performance Director Aaqib Javed for an engagement involving Prince Charles, is now expected to become involved in Pakistan’s Test affairs.
Sources suggest the Pakistan Cricket Board has asked Hesson to oversee matters related to the Test team. He is also expected to remain with the squad for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham, beginning Sept. 9.
More significantly, Hesson is reportedly set to be present inside Pakistan’s dressing room during the Test. His involvement has raised fresh questions over Sarfaraz’s position and the future structure of the national team’s coaching setup.
Hesson currently oversees Pakistan’s white-ball teams, including the ODI and T20I squads. Taking responsibility for the Test side as well would represent a significant expansion of his role.
The reported development comes at a difficult time for Pakistan cricket. The team has struggled to produce consistent batting performances during the England series, while the Lord’s defeat highlighted shortcomings in execution and the ability to build sustained partnerships.
The PCB has already been considering changes following the series, and the coaching position could now become part of a broader restructuring of the national team management.
If the reported plans materialize, Hesson could eventually take charge of Pakistan across all three formats, while Sarfaraz could lose his Test coaching role after the England tour.
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