Pakistan appoints Mike Hesson of New Zealand as white-ball head coach

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan appointed Mike Hesson of New Zealand as the head coach of its white-ball cricket team on Tuesday.

The position had been vacant since South African Gary Kirsten quit last year, with Jason Gillespie and Aaqib Javed `being appointed as interim coaches.

“Mike brings with him a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of developing competitive sides,” Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a statement Tuesday. “We look forward to his expertise and leadership in shaping the future of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket. Welcome to the team, Mike!”

Hesson had previously served as head coach of New Zealand and Kenya. He is also currently serving as head coach of Islamabad United, who are the defending champions of the Pakistan Super League.

Several former cricketers, including Azhar Mahmood, had applied for the job.

The PCB formed a four-member committee to select the new head coach, with Javed as one of the members. The PCB named Javed as the director of its High Performance Center in Lahore.

Pakistan is due to host Bangladesh for a five-match Twenty20 series later this month. However, the tour could be rescheduled after Pakistan announced that the PSL would resume from Saturday after the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, with the final now to be held on May 25.

___

AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket