Coaches of the Pakistan Cricket Team: The Complete Guide
Who coaches Pakistan in 2026? Mike Hesson’s white-ball setup, the Test shake-up, the vacant bowling and fielding roles — and the full history of the men in the dugout.
Last updated: 11 October 2026
Quick answer: Mike Hesson is Pakistan’s white-ball head coach (since 2025) and now the most powerful figure in the setup, overseeing the Test side too after Sarfaraz Ahmed was sacked as Test coach in August 2026. The bowling coach (Ashley Noffke resigned to join the Netherlands) and fielding coach (Shane McDermott resigned July 2026) posts are vacant — with Shaun Tait and Martin Guptill reportedly in the frame.
At a Glance
The dugout, October 2026.
Hesson took charge
head-coach sackings in 2026
key posts vacant
ODI World Cup target
The Current Coaching Setup
As of October 2026 — a setup in transition.
| Role | Holder | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Head coach (white-ball) | Mike Hesson (NZ) | In charge since 2025; now overseeing Tests too |
| Head coach (Test) | — | Sarfaraz Ahmed sacked Aug 2026; Hesson covering |
| Bowling coach | — | Vacant — Ashley Noffke resigned (Netherlands job); Umar Gul sacked |
| Fielding coach | — | Vacant — Shane McDermott resigned Jul 2026 |
| Batting coach | — | Vacant — Hanif Malik left in 2026 |
| Physiotherapist | — | Vacant — Cliffe Deacon departed 2026 |
| Selector | — | Vacant — Misbah-ul-Haq resigned Sep 2026 |
Reports in late September 2026 link former fast-bowling coach Shaun Tait (2022–23) with a bowling return and Martin Guptill with the fielding role. Details: the full 2026 staff rundown.
Mike Hesson: The Man in Charge
New Zealand’s most successful coach, now Pakistan’s most powerful cricket figure.
The CV
Coached New Zealand (2012–18) to the 2015 World Cup final; won PSL 2024 with Islamabad United. Appointed Pakistan white-ball head coach in 2025.
The Power
After the August 2026 shake-up, Hesson was entrusted with technical and selection matters across formats — described as the most powerful figure in Pakistan cricket.
The Challenge
An England Test series defeat, six straight losses to India, and the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon.
Full profile: Mike Hesson — Pakistan’s head coach.
The 2026 Shake-Up
How the dugout emptied in a single summer.
August 2026
After 0–2 down in the England Test series (defeats at Headingley and Lord’s), the PCB sacked Sarfaraz Ahmed (Test head coach) and Umar Gul (bowling coach), and released seven players — including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha.
July–October 2026
Fielding coach Shane McDermott resigned (joined Afghanistan); batting coach Hanif Malik and physio Cliffe Deacon departed; Ashley Noffke resigned as bowling coach to become Netherlands head coach; selector Misbah-ul-Haq resigned.
Head Coach History
The revolving door of recent years.
| Period | Head coach(es) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2019–21 | Misbah-ul-Haq (+ Waqar Younis, bowling) | Resigned Sep 2021 |
| 2021–23 | Saqlain Mushtaq (interim, then permanent) | Through 2022–23 season |
| 2023 | Grant Bradburn (+ Mickey Arthur, team director) | Complex dual structure |
| 2023–24 | Mohammad Hafeez (team director) | Australia tour era |
| 2024–25 | Gary Kirsten (white-ball) · Jason Gillespie (Test) | Split-coach model |
| 2025–26 | Mike Hesson (white-ball) · Sarfaraz Ahmed (Test) | Sarfaraz sacked Aug 2026 |
| 2026– | Mike Hesson (all formats, de facto) | Current |
Full timeline: Pakistan head coach history.
The Specialist Roles
What each coach actually does.
Bowling Coach
Runs the pace and spin units — workloads, plans, variations. Greats: Waqar Younis, Shaun Tait, Umar Gul. Guide →
Batting Coach
Technique, game-plans, net sessions. Former holders: Mohammad Yousuf, Hanif Malik. Guide →
Fielding Coach
Catching, throwing, fitness, ground fielding. Steve Rixon’s 2016–18 stint is the gold standard. Guide →
In-Depth Guides
Every coaching angle, covered.
Mike Hesson Profile
The Kiwi mastermind now running Pakistan cricket — CV, methods, challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers on Pakistan’s coaches.
Who is the current coach of the Pakistan cricket team?
Who was sacked as Pakistan’s Test coach in 2026?
Who is Pakistan’s bowling coach?
Who is Pakistan’s fielding coach?
Who coached Pakistan before Mike Hesson?
How many coaches has Pakistan had in five years?
Follow Pakistan’s Coaching Story
From Hesson’s rebuild to the vacant hot seats — every angle covered.