'He's not in good books': Mike Hesson in serious trouble after Pakistan’s T20 World Cup disaster
Published - 15 Mar 2026, 12:43 PM | Updated - 15 Mar 2026, 12:45 PM
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Pakistan’s white-ball coach Mike Hesson is under heavy scrutiny after the team’s early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The team failed to reach the semifinals once again, and many former players and experts are now questioning the decisions taken by the coaching staff.
The Men in Green were eliminated from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after failing to record a big win over Sri Lanka after the New Zealand game was washed out in the Super 8 round. As a result, the Kiwis progressed to the semifinals due to a better net run rate. Pakistan has not qualified for the semifinals since 2022.
Basit Ali claims PCB support for Mike Hesson is fading
Now, former Pakistan batter Basit Ali claims that Mike Hesson is no longer enjoying strong support inside the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He felt the PCB’s perception towards Hesson had changed after Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, and the coach may not have the same level of control over team matters anymore.
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Basit Ali said on the ‘Game Plan’ YouTube show, "Mike Hesson is not in the good books. I am not talking about Mohsin Naqvi. I am talking about people who advise Naqvi. Hesson is not in their good books. The decision has to be taken by the chairman.”
He added, “The winds that were blowing in favor of Mike Hesson have now changed. Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed will never work under Mike Hesson. I am willing to give it in writing. Hesson can now forget that he will get to choose the 15 members of the squad.”
Why was Hesson made the coach?
The former national selector also questioned Hesson’s selection as the head coach, as there were a lot better options than him, and warned that if Pakistan loses the ODI series-deciding match against Bangladesh, things might be challenging for the coach.
Basit said, “Why was he made the coach? You made him the coach based on his performance in the Pakistan Super League. Anyway, the third and final ODI against Bangladesh is very important for Hesson.”
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Aaqib Javed’s claims put Mike Hesson under pressure
The debate intensified when selector Aaqib Javed hinted that the selection committee was not fully responsible for the squad that was picked for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. His remarks suggested that many key decisions were taken by Hesson, which has now put him directly under pressure.
Adding fuel to the fire, former captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed were also added to the selection committee, as many believe these experienced figures will play a bigger role in team selection, as their recent performances exposed several weaknesses in the squad.
Recently, former Pakistan stars Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Hafeez, Sana Mir, Umar Gul, and Saqlain Mushtaq have all raised concerns about the coaching setup. Pakistan managed to win the second ODI to level the series, but they must win the series in Bangladesh to keep their critics silent.
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