LAHORE: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is likely to continue in charge of the national Test team for the upcoming two-match home series against Sri Lanka, sources told Geo News on Wednesday.
Hesson, 51, was handed interim responsibility for the Test side ahead of the third and final Test against England. The Pakistan Cricket Board made that move after significant changes to the coaching setup following a heavy defeat in the second Test at Lord’s.
The PCB removed Sarfaraz Ahmed from his role as Test head coach and relieved bowling coach Umar Gul of his duties as part of the reshuffle. Hesson took charge of the red-ball side for the remainder of the England series while continuing his regular white-ball responsibilities.
Open to the job beyond the interim period
At a recent post-match press conference, Hesson was asked whether he would consider coaching Pakistan’s Test team beyond his interim stint. The New Zealander said he would be willing to consider it, pointing to his passion for Test cricket and his belief in Pakistan’s talent pool.
“I’d be open to it for sure. I love Test cricket, and I think there’s enough talent within the system in Pakistan that, if we can provide some good direction, we can make some strides forward,” Hesson said.
“It’s certainly not going to happen in a game or two, but I think there’s some skill there that I’d certainly consider looking after,” he added.
Hesson had earlier backed young pacer Razaullah under Shaun Tait’s guidance and praised Sahibzada Farhan’s captaincy, signalling his hands-on role in shaping the next generation.
The PCB had also overhauled the Test squad after the Lord’s defeat, releasing seven players and bringing in an equal number of replacements ahead of the third Test against England.
A busy home season against Sri Lanka
The two-match series will form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. The first Test is scheduled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 9 to 13 November. The second will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from 17 to 21 November.
The series sits inside a packed home programme against Sri Lanka. Pakistan recently completed a 2-1 T20I series win over the visitors, after which Hesson backed young pacer Razaullah to improve under Shaun Tait and praised Sahibzada Farhan’s captaincy. An ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka also sits on the calendar.
Hesson’s likely continuation gives Pakistan rare coaching stability after a turbulent spell. He first worked with the red-ball group as an emergency appointment when he was called to England during the series, and the PCB now appears ready to extend that arrangement through the Sri Lanka Tests.
The visitors, meanwhile, arrive under new Test leadership. Sri Lanka named Kusal Mendis as their new Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down ahead of the Pakistan tour.
The PCB is expected to confirm the coaching arrangement formally in the coming weeks, with the Test squad for the Sri Lanka series (our Test squad tracker) to follow.
Frequently asked questions
Will Mike Hesson coach Pakistan’s Test team against Sri Lanka?
Sources told Geo News that Hesson is likely to continue as Test head coach for the two-match home series against Sri Lanka. He took interim charge ahead of the third Test against England.
Why was Pakistan’s coaching setup changed?
The PCB reshuffled the 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 relieved of his duties.
What did Hesson say about continuing in the role?
Hesson said he would be open to continuing, citing his love for Test cricket and his belief that Pakistan have enough talent to improve with good direction.
When is the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series?
The first Test runs from 9 to 13 November at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second runs from 17 to 21 November at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
Who captains Sri Lanka in the series?
Kusal Mendis was named Sri Lanka’s new Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down ahead of the tour.
