Pakistan’s worsening crisis has now triggered questions over Mike Hesson’s loyalty, with former captain Rashid Latif raising concerns about the New Zealander’s previous work in the Indian Premier League.
The country has gone through six Test coaches in three years and has won only one of its last eight Test series. ‘Mike Hesson, for me, security concerns are a different thing, but the loyalty factor is very important for a foreign coach. When I talk about Bob Woolmer, I know he was loyal. He had such loyalty. Then, if I talk about Geoff Lawson as a person, as a player, he was professional. He stayed in Lahore. ‘All the others who have come, please help me remember; all of them were foreigners who became Pakistani coaches. They all did their work with heart. I am not putting the blame on anyone, but the coach who has come after doing IPL. ‘So the damage that we couldn’t do, maybe someone will who can damage you, no matter which coach comes from abroad. But one who is directly linked with IPL, from people there, who might want to use him, that’s how agents are formed,’ he added. The comments arrive during one of Pakistan’s most turbulent Test tours in recent memory. After losing the first two Tests, the PCB made sweeping changes, sending seven players home and removing Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed. Hesson, who had been handling the white-ball side, was then given charge of the Test team for the final match. Pakistan’s wider coaching situation has also come under scrutiny. Hesson’s tenure has also included disappointment in white ball cricket.
Latif’s remarks have added another controversy around Pakistan cricket at a time when the team is struggling badly in England and facing the prospect of a 0-3 Test series whitewash. Hesson, who was appointed Pakistan’s white-ball coach in May 2025, previously worked in the IPL, including with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
He had loyalty,’ Latif said during a YouTube discussion. There will always be doubt about him,’ he said.
Pakistan reached the Asia Cup final under him before losing to India, while their Men’s T20 World Cup campaign ended before the semi finals after defeats against India and England in the Super 8s.
