Mike Hesson Named Islamabad United Head Coach After RCB Exit

Former New Zealand National Cricket Team coach and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) director of cricket, Mike Hesson, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United.

Mike Hesson is a highly experienced and successful coach. He had a great 6-year stint with New Zealand as head coach after taking over the job in 2012.

Subsequently, he joined Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) as head coach in the Indian Premier League (IPL), before taking over the role of Director of Cricket Operations at the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He recently parted ways with the RCB franchise.

The owner of Islamabad United Ali Naqvi, in an official statement issued by the franchise, said that they are thrilled to rope in the services of Mike Hesson.

“Thrilled to bring in a globally accomplished and premier name like Hesson to Islamabad United. His rich history in coaching and his exceptional work with New Zealand and RCB make him the ideal choice to lead our team. Hesson’s coaching philosophy aligns closely with the values and ambitions of Islamabad United, and we are confident that his expertise will take our team to new heights,” he said.

I am delighted to be a part of Islamabad United – Mike Hesson

Talking about his appointment as head coach, Mike Hesson said that he is delighted to be a part of the PSL franchise. Impressed with Islamabad United’s principle of 4 Es – Excellence, Empowerment, Education, and Environment – Mike Hesson said that he is looking forward to working with the franchise.

“I am delighted to be a part of Islamabad United. The professional, modern, and dimagh se (mindful) approach associated with the franchise resonates strongly with me. I am also impressed with United’s strategy built around the principle of 4 Es – Excellence, Empowerment, Education, and Environment. I look forward to working with the talented players and staff to build a successful team and deliver exciting cricket to the fans.”

Talking about Islamabad United, they started off the PSL on a high, winning two of the first three seasons with the late Dean Jones as head coach. After the passing of Jones, the franchise switched between several coaches, including Misbah-ul-Haq, Johan Botha, and Azhar Mahmood, but have failed to clinch the title.