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Mike Hesson
Mike Hesson
Mike Hesson
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Michael James Hesson ONZM (born 30 October 1974) is a New Zealand cricket coach who is the current head coach of the Pakistan cricket team. He served in the same capacity for the New Zealand cricket team. He also coached for the Argentina, Kenya, and Otago in New Zealand domestic cricket.[1] He was appointed head coach of New Zealand on 20 July 2012, taking over from John Wright in August for their tour of India, and later extensions to his contract would have taken him through to the end of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, but Hesson announced his resignation on 7 June 2018, ending his tenure as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the national side.[2][3] As coach, he led the New Zealand squad to finish as runners-up at the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Since 2023 he has been serving as the head coach of Pakistan Super League franchise Islamabad United. As a coach, he led them to the championship in Pakistan Super League 2024 edition.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Hesson was born in Dunedin on 30 October 1974.[4] He was educated at Otago Boys' High School.[5]

Coaching career

[edit]

Otago

[edit]

Kenya

[edit]

Prior to his coaching stint with New Zealand, Hesson had served as the coach for Kenya's national cricket team, a position he resigned citing "security concerns".[6]

New Zealand

[edit]

Hesson was appointed head coach of New Zealand on 20 July 2012, taking over from John Wright. He was criticised for his controversial recommendation that Ross Taylor should surrender the captaincy in favour of Brendon McCullum[1][7] However, in 2013–14, Hesson mended the relationship with Taylor and took the BlackCaps to series wins in England and South Africa away, and West Indies and India at home. He also proved his talent for picking players who could translate domestic success into international success.[8][9] This built momentum for the BlackCaps' revival, culminating in reaching the final of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.[10]

The Black Caps' culture and style of play cultivated by Hesson and McCullum was transformative[11] for cricket in New Zealand. In the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours Hesson and McCullum were appointed Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to cricket.[12]

In the 2017/2018 New Zealand summer the BlackCaps were inundated with plaudits as they achieved a New Zealand-record 13-match winning streak in completed games across all formats. From August 2012 to April 2018, when his reign culminated in a Test series win at home against England, Hesson's team played 53 Tests, won 21, lost 19 and drawn 13. By comparison, the 1980s had 59 Tests of which 17 were won, 15 lost and 27 drawn. In completed ODIs, Hesson oversaw 112 for 65 wins, 46 losses and a tie; the 1980s results were 122 played, 56 won and 66 lost.[13] In Twenty20 internationals (not played in the 1980s), the figures were 56 completed games, with 30 wins, 24 losses and two ties.

Hesson was New Zealand's longest serving cricket coach. He developed a reputation for being a paragon of calm and a brilliant man-manager,[14] and for developing and maintaining an admirable team culture,[15] all the while taking the BlackCaps to unprecedented success. In May 2018 Hesson was appointed as a coach representative on the International Cricket Council Cricket Committee.

Despite his contract running until the end of 2019 Cricket World Cup, Hesson announced his resignation in June 2018.[2][3] On 3 January 2019 Hesson joined the Sky Sports commentary team for the home white ball series.

Indian Premier League and Pakistan Super League

[edit]

Hesson also served as the head coach of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab before stepping down on 8 August 2019. Subsequently, on 23 August 2019, he was appointed as the Director of Cricket Operations by the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore. In 2023, Hesson was appointed as the Head Coach[16] of a Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United.

Pakistan

[edit]

On 13 May 2025, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Hesson as the head coach for white-ball (ODIs and T20 Internationals) squads of the Pakistan men’s cricket team.[17]

YouTube channel

[edit]

In February 2024, Hesson started a YouTube channel named "Coach Hesson". On this channel, Hesson uploads in-depth coaching analysis, previews, and match reviews. As of April 2025, the channel has over 31,500 subscribers.[18]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Mike Hesson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael James Hesson (born 30 October 1974) is a former cricketer and renowned coach, best known for transforming the Black Caps into a top-tier international side during his tenure as head coach from 2012 to 2018. As a player, Hesson represented in domestic cricket for over a decade, featuring as a right-handed batsman and right-arm off-break bowler, though he never earned an international cap for . Hesson transitioned to at the unusually young age of 22, serving as Otago's director of for seven years before becoming their in 2004, where he led the team to the 2008 one-day title and the 2009 T20 championship. His international breakthrough came in 2011 as of , tasked with rebuilding the side post their poor 2011 World Cup showing. From 2012 to 2018, as New Zealand's longest-serving , Hesson elevated the team from mid-table to the world's second-ranked ODI side, achieving a record 13 consecutive wins and guiding them to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup final—their first ever. Post-New Zealand, he served as Director of Cricket Operations for the IPL's Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2019 to 2023 and joined the Pakistan Super League's as head coach in 2023, leading them to their third PSL title in 2024. In May 2025, Hesson was appointed of Pakistan's white-ball teams (ODIs and T20Is), commencing on 26 May, with early successes including 17 wins in his first 25 T20I matches in charge as of November 2025. Recognized for his calm demeanor, data-driven strategies, and player development focus, Hesson was honored with the Officer of the (ONZM) in 2019 for services to cricket.

Early life and education

Upbringing in

Michael James Hesson was born on 30 October 1974 in , a city in New Zealand's region. Hesson spent his childhood in , immersed in the local sporting culture that emphasized outdoor activities amid the region's rugged landscapes and community-oriented environment. His early exposure to came through participation in non-professional local games, where he played as an opening batsman for B, the second XI representative team, and later A, without advancing to first-class domestic . This grassroots involvement in Otago's club and regional scene ignited Hesson's lifelong passion for the sport, laying the groundwork for his future pursuits.

Schooling and early interests

Mike Hesson attended in , where he developed an early passion for through participation in the school's teams. During his time there, he played as an opener, honing his skills in a competitive environment that emphasized both athletic and strategic aspects of the game, which later influenced his coaching philosophy. There is no record of Hesson pursuing higher education after school. He began his coaching career at age 22 and was appointed Otago's Director of Coaching in 1998, serving for six years and building on his playing experience. In 1998, at age 23, he became the youngest individual to earn a Level Three New Zealand Cricket coaching qualification. Hesson's early coaching development included his first overseas experience in the around age 21, where he joined a club in ostensibly to play but primarily focused on coaching duties. In the early 2000s, he advanced to assistant coaching roles at under head coach . This foundational period laid the groundwork for his subsequent professional coaching career.

Coaching career

Early international assignments

Hesson's first international coaching role came in 2003 when he was appointed head coach of the by the (ICC) as part of efforts to develop the in emerging nations and prepare for potential qualification. During this stint, he focused on building foundational skills and structures for a team with limited resources, marking his initial exposure to in a non-Test-playing nation and honing his ability to adapt strategies to diverse playing conditions. After several years in domestic coaching in , Hesson returned to international duties in July 2011 as head coach of the national team on a two-year . This appointment followed 's disappointing performance at the 2011 ICC , where the team failed to win any matches in the group stage, prompting a need for restructuring to revive the squad's competitiveness in associate . Key challenges included overhauling player selection, improving fitness levels, and instilling discipline amid internal administrative issues within Cricket , all while navigating the logistical demands of limited funding and infrastructure. Hesson's tenure with Kenya lasted only ten months, ending with his resignation in May 2012 due to escalating security concerns for his family amid ongoing instability in the country. Despite the brevity, the role provided valuable experience in high-pressure environments and team rebuilding, influencing his subsequent approaches to international coaching.

Otago Volts

Mike Hesson joined Cricket as a coaching apprentice in the late 1990s, serving as director of from 1998 to 2004 and building foundational experience in player development and team strategy within the organization. His total involvement with spanned 15 years, during which he contributed to organizational growth and talent nurturing before transitioning to international roles. In 2003, Hesson served as assistant coach under , gaining hands-on experience in domestic competition management. This apprenticeship culminated in his promotion to head coach of the Volts for the 2005-06 season, a position he held until 2011, marking a pivotal phase in his rise within administration. As head coach, Hesson focused on revitalizing the Volts through strategic player development and targeted recruitment, transforming a mid-tier domestic side into a competitive force. He introduced overseas talent to bolster the squad, notably recruiting English batsman for the 2005-06 season, who delivered standout performances and helped elevate team standards. Hesson also brought in South African-born fast bowler , whose inclusion strengthened the bowling attack and exemplified his eye for emerging talent. These efforts emphasized long-term growth, with Hesson prioritizing skill enhancement and tactical discipline among local players, fostering a culture of resilience that improved overall team performance in Super Smash and other domestic formats. Under Hesson's leadership, the Volts achieved significant milestones, including their first national one-day title in 21 years by winning the State Shield in the 2007-08 season, ending a long drought and boosting provincial pride. The team followed this with victory in the State Twenty20 competition in 2009, securing their status as domestic T20 champions and qualifying for the Champions League Twenty20. These successes highlighted Hesson's ability to implement effective game plans and organizational reforms, such as enhanced training regimens and youth integration, which laid the groundwork for sustained competitiveness in .

New Zealand national team

Mike Hesson was appointed head coach of the , known as the Black Caps, on 20 July 2012, succeeding John Wright on a contract running until the end of the . His appointment marked the beginning of a transformative six-year tenure, during which he became the longest-serving coach in Black Caps history, surpassing John Bracewell's previous record of five years and two months. Under Hesson's leadership, the team achieved significant milestones, including 21 wins in 53 Test matches and 65 victories in 119 One Day Internationals (ODIs), establishing a foundation of consistency in multi-format . A highlight of Hesson's era was guiding to the final of the , where they finished as runners-up after a narrow defeat to in . This achievement propelled the Black Caps to new heights in global rankings, with the team reaching the number-one spot in T20 Internationals and climbing to second in , while fostering a culture of resilience and tactical innovation that enhanced their competitive edge against top nations. Hesson's emphasis on player development and strategic preparation was instrumental in series triumphs, such as a 2–1 ODI series victory over in 2014 and securing eight out of 11 home series wins. Hesson resigned from his position on 7 June 2018, citing personal reasons and a desire to spend more time with his family, with his departure effective from 31 July that year—less than a year before the 2019 World Cup. In recognition of his contributions to elevating cricket's international profile, Hesson was awarded the Officer of the (ONZM) in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours for services to the sport. His tenure left a lasting legacy, influencing subsequent coaching philosophies in franchise leagues through his proven methods of team building and performance optimization.

T20 franchise leagues

Mike Hesson's transition to T20 franchise leagues began with his appointment as head coach of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kings XI Punjab on 29 October 2018, following his departure from the New Zealand national setup. In this role, he oversaw the team's preparations and strategy for the 2019 IPL season, where Kings XI Punjab finished sixth in the league standings. His tenure ended on 8 August 2019, after just one season, as he parted ways with the franchise to pursue new opportunities. Shortly thereafter, on 23 August 2019, Hesson joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as Director of Cricket Operations, a position that allowed him to shape the franchise's long-term strategy across men's and women's teams. During his four-year stint until August 2023, he focused on strategic rebuilding, including player retention decisions and auction planning that helped RCB qualify for the in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Hesson's approach emphasized squad balance and scouting, drawing briefly from his national team experience to enhance auction strategies for building competitive units. In November 2023, Hesson took on the role of head coach for in the (PSL), marking his entry into South Asian T20 franchising beyond . Under his leadership, the team clinched the PSL 2024 title by defeating in a thrilling final on 18 March 2024, securing their third championship and establishing them as defending champions. As of November 2025, Hesson continues in this capacity, leveraging his franchise management expertise to sustain the team's success in the high-stakes T20 environment.

Pakistan national team

Mike Hesson was appointed as the of Pakistan's white-ball teams for One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) on 13 May 2025 by the (PCB), succeeding the interim coach who had been in the role since November 2024. The PCB highlighted Hesson's extensive experience in T20 cricket, including his successful tenure with in the (), as a key factor in his selection to revitalize the team's performance in limited-overs formats. His contract commenced on 26 May 2025, immediately following the conclusion of the PSL season, allowing him to focus on preparations for major upcoming events such as the in September 2025. Upon taking charge, Hesson faced initial challenges in addressing Pakistan's inconsistent white-ball results, particularly in balancing aggressive batting with strategic depth amid a transitional squad. He emphasized building a flexible playing unit capable of adapting to high-pressure scenarios, drawing on his PSL insights to foster better team cohesion. A notable early focus was on key players like , whose strike rate and consistency in T20Is came under scrutiny; Hesson initially excluded Azam from the 2025 squad to encourage improvements in specific areas such as power-hitting and adaptability against spin. However, by November 2025, Hesson had reinstated Azam for the ODI series against , viewing it as an opportunity to reintegrate the batter while fine-tuning overall strategies like enhancing strike rates and optimizing bowling rotations. As of November 2025, Hesson's strategies have shown preliminary promise in stabilizing the team's approach during an ODI series against , where he publicly backed Azam's form despite modest scores, noting the batter's solid technique and potential for breakthroughs. These efforts contributed to Pakistan's first-ever home ODI series victory over in November 2025. Early impacts include a more structured training regimen informed by data analytics from his franchise experience, aimed at improving fielding standards and middle-order resilience—areas that had plagued in prior campaigns. While long-term success remains pending major tournament outcomes, Hesson's emphasis on player development and tactical innovation has been credited with injecting renewed purpose into the white-ball setup.

Awards and media

Professional honors

In 2015, Mike Hesson was appointed an Officer of the (ONZM) in the Queen's for his services to , recognizing his leadership in guiding the Black Caps to the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup that year. Hesson holds the distinction of being New Zealand's longest-serving national coach, with a six-year tenure from 2012 to 2018 that established records for duration and success in the . As head coach of , Hesson led the team to victory in the (PSL) 2024 final, securing their third title overall in a thrilling two-wicket win against .

YouTube channel and public engagements

In February 2024, Mike Hesson launched the YouTube channel "Coach Hesson," dedicated to sharing his expertise in cricket coaching. By November 2025, the channel had amassed over 31,200 subscribers and featured 78 videos, reflecting steady growth in its audience of cricket enthusiasts and aspiring coaches. The channel's content primarily revolves around practical cricket coaching tips, strategies for player development, and behind-the-scenes insights into high-level team management and performance analysis. Videos such as "Mike Hesson discusses the real problem with Pakistan Cricket" and previews of IPL matches like Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians exemplify Hesson's approach, offering in-depth breakdowns of tactics, player mindsets, and lessons from his international experience, including his tenure with the Pakistan national team. This format emphasizes accessible education, helping viewers understand the nuances of professional cricket without delving into exhaustive technical data. Beyond , Hesson has expanded his public influence through appearances and media interviews, where he elaborates on his philosophy of authenticity, player listening, and adaptive . In January 2024, he joined "The Great Podcast" to discuss the isolating aspects of , the importance of genuine team interactions, and building successful programs from his early career onward. More recently, in June 2025, Hesson featured on the PCB , hosted by , sharing insights on white-ball strategies, player motivation, and fostering multi-skilled teams in modern formats. These engagements highlight Hesson's role as a mentor extending beyond the field, influencing global discussions on development.

References

  1. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/mike-hesson-37472
  2. https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/pakistan-appoint-seasoned-leader-as-white-ball-head-coach
  3. https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/44/44177/44177.html
  4. https://www.khelopakistan.com/mike-hesson-pakistan-white-ball-head-coach/
  5. https://www.mabumbe.com/people/mike-hesson-biography-age-net-worth-career/
  6. https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/new-zealand-cricket-the-hesson-effect-sstl
  7. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/hesson-s-greatest-hits-which-of-these-was-his-biggest-achievement-1148759
  8. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mike-hesson-appointed-as-rcb-s-director-of-cricket-operations-1179425
  9. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/psl-2024-mike-hesson-appointed-islamabad-united-head-coach-1407847
  10. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/68600860
  11. https://www.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/45123572/mike-hesson-named-pakistan-white-ball-head-coach
  12. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2575831/momentum-under-mike-hesson
  13. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-t20i-tri-series-2025-26-1502043/pakistan-vs-zimbabwe-1st-match-1502048/full-scorecard
  14. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/cricket/cricket-how-hesson-came-be-coach
  15. https://obhs.school.nz/community/latest-news/article/22861
  16. https://www.thetimes.com/sport/cricket/article/mike-hesson-the-idea-that-brendon-is-gung-ho-is-a-myth-hes-far-smarter-than-that-gwhswwxfr
  17. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mike-hesson-to-know-when-to-intervene-and-when-to-say-nothing-is-an-art-933474
  18. https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia-v-new-zealand-test-series-meet-mike-hesson-black-caps-coach/news-story/5682d40fdfffe68ef6af21b9fdd2afd4
  19. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/cricket/black-caps/cricket-how-hesson-came-to-be-coach/PFOOP3ZRLVEJFNNFR253MIB7ZM/
  20. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kenya-news-mike-hesson-appointed-kenya-coach-523811
  21. https://mabumbe.com/people/mike-hesson-biography-age-net-worth-career/
  22. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/firdose-moonda-talks-to-ex-kenya-coach-mike-hesson-564316
  23. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kenya-news-kenya-coach-mike-hesson-steps-down-564052
  24. https://thegreatcoachespodcast.com/episode/mike-hesson/
  25. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/new-zealand-news-mike-hesson-named-new-zealand-coach-573138
  26. https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/new-zealand-appoint-hesson-as-new-head-coach/20120720.htm
  27. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/andrew-alderson-on-mike-hesson-s-appointment-as-new-zealand-coach-573445
  28. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/cricket/cricket-hesson-believed-nz-coach-shortlist
  29. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/cricket/cricket-hesson-reflects-successful-innings
  30. https://www.nzc.nz/news-items/archive/hesson-selection-to-coach-programme-welcomed/
  31. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/cricket/black-caps/cricket-mike-hesson-leaves-indelible-legacy-as-black-caps-coach/LQYMGCWWHKTCJGTXUVL4RJON6U/
  32. https://www.nine.com.au/sport/cricket/mike-hesson-s-nz-coaching-career-20180607-p5heyk.html
  33. https://te-korowai.org.nz/2023/11/09/mike-hesson/
  34. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/new-zealand-head-coach-mike-hesson-resigns-1148755
  35. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/india-tour-of-new-zealand-2013-14-59321/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results
  36. https://www.nzc.nz/news-items/archive/blackcaps-leadership-recognised-by-queen-s-birthday-honours/
  37. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mike-hesson-appointed-kings-xi-punjab-coach-1163559
  38. https://www.mykhel.com/cricket/list-of-head-coaches-of-punjab-kings-history-since-ipl-2008-ricky-ponting-anil-kumble-virender-se-308733.html
  39. https://www.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/27344274/mike-hesson-steps-kings-xi-punjab-coach
  40. https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/rcb-appoints-mike-hesson-as-director-of-cricket-operations-simon-katich-as-head-coach-1590803-2019-08-23
  41. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rcb-yet-to-renew-contracts-with-mike-hesson-and-sanjay-bangar-1387804
  42. https://www.royalchallengers.com/rcb-cricket-news/news/rcb-bold-diaries-mike-hesson-explains-rcbs-strategy-ahead-of-the-ipl-auction
  43. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-super-league-2023-24-1412744/islamabad-united-vs-multan-sultans-final-1416505/full-scorecard
  44. https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/mike-hesson-confirmed-as-white-ball-head-coach.html
  45. https://www.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/42461787/pakistan-news-aaqib-javed-takes-charge-interim-white-ball-head-coach
  46. https://www.reuters.com/sports/cricket/pakistan-name-hesson-white-ball-coach-2025-05-13/
  47. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/asia-cup/pakistans-asia-cup-squad-coach-mike-hesson-reveals-why-babar-azam-was-left-out-asked-to-improve-in-some-areas/articleshow/123344604.cms
  48. https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/babar-azam-mike-hesson-backs-star-batter-for-big-scores-in-pakistan-odi-series-2815967-2025-11-08
  49. https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1358100-pakistan-triumphs-after-a-roller-coaster-tour-securing-first-ever-home-odi-series-win-over-south-africa
  50. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/men-s-t20-asia-cup-2025-1496919/match-schedule-fixtures-and-results
  51. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/longest-and-most-successful-nz-cricket-coach-hesson-retires-20180607-p4zk1j.html
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  53. https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/imad-wasim-stars-as-islamabad-united-scrape-home-to-nervy-win-in-final-to-clinch-third-psl-2024-title-vs-multan-sultans-2024-03-19-922146
  54. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyaRQJY5aLMHxoVLhFG2JKA
  55. https://www.pcb.com.pk/round-up-detail/transcript-of-mike-hesson-s-interview-on-pcb-podcast.html
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