The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in hot pursuit of a permanent replacement for interim coach Aqib Javed, whose contract ended in February after Pakistan's dismal Champions Trophy campaign. Islamabad United coach Mike Hesson is said to be a front-runner for the role of head coach of the Pakistan national cricket team.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is actively searching for a permanent replacement for interim coach Aqib Javed whose contract ran out in February after Pakistan's subpar Champions Trophy campaign. Islamabad United coach Mike Hesson has been named by reports as being a prime contender for the position of head coach of the Pakistani national cricket team.

The PCB had previously shown interest in Hesson last year, but he turned it down because of other obligations. New negotiations are now, however, underway between the two parties.

While former Pakistan head coach Saqlain Mushtaq was also under consideration, Hesson seems to be the preferred choice. The PCB is inclined towards appointing a foreign head coach, following a recent trend.

Mike Hesson has a wealth of experience to draw upon. He coached New Zealand between 2012 and 2018, taking the side to the 2015 World Cup final. The 50-year-old is now the coach of Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL 2025), where he has lauded players like Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan, going so far as to call Khan's ommision from the national team a "disgrace." His experience with Pakistani cricket and tactical expertise make him a perfect choice, sources stated.

The PCB's pursuit accelerated after Aqib Javed's stint ended after a losing Champions Trophy group stage. Saqlain Mushtaq was also said to have been considered, but Hesson's name picked up momentum because of his established record and earlier PCB interest in 2019 and 2024. Hesson had earlier rejected offers because of other commitments, and his availability is still unclear.