Karachi: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has expressed strong support for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) newly introduced central contracts system, saying it will allow players to specialize in the formats that best suit their skills while improving the national team’s overall competitiveness.
According to Beyond Time News, Hesson shared his views during an exclusive interview, highlighting the benefits of the revised contracts, Pakistan’s preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and the development of emerging talent.
Hesson Says New Contracts Will Help Players Focus on Their Strengths
Hesson believes the updated central contracts represent a modern approach to player management by recognizing the different demands of Test, One-Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 (T20) cricket.
He explained that the new system gives players greater flexibility to concentrate on the formats where they can make the biggest impact rather than trying to excel equally across all three. He said this approach allows cricketers to refine their strengths while reducing the pressure of maintaining peak performance in every format.
According to Beyond Time News, Hesson acknowledged that some players initially had concerns about the revised contracts. However, after discussions with the management, many came to appreciate the long-term benefits the system offers.
He added that the full value of the contracts will become clearer once they are implemented over an extended period.
Young Talent Impresses the Coaching Staff
Hesson also praised several emerging players currently working within Pakistan’s development system.
He singled out fast bowler Abdul Subhan, describing him as one of the most promising young pace prospects. The coach said the tall pacer has impressed with his accuracy and consistency during Under-19 cricket.
Hesson believes that as the youngster gains physical strength and experience, his bowling speed is likely to improve further, making him an exciting prospect for Pakistan’s future pace attack.
Developing young cricketers remains a key part of Pakistan’s long-term planning as the team prepares for upcoming ICC events.
Building Toward the 2027 ODI World Cup
The Pakistan coach said preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup are already underway.
According to Beyond Time News, a domestic white-ball tournament featuring approximately 50 of the country’s leading limited-overs players is scheduled to begin in August. The competition is expected to provide selectors with a broader pool of talent while increasing competition for national team places.
Hesson also revealed that the PCB is exploring additional triangular series to strengthen Pakistan’s ODI preparations before the World Cup.
He emphasized that playing matches in Zimbabwe would help players adapt to conditions similar to those expected during the tournament, which will be hosted across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
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The coach explained that each venue presents unique challenges. Johannesburg generally offers fast, bouncy pitches that favor aggressive batting, while Cape Town often provides slower surfaces that assist spin bowlers. Preparing for varied conditions, he said, is essential for success at major international tournaments.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s Recent ICC Performances
Hesson acknowledged that Pakistan has struggled to achieve consistent success in recent ICC tournaments.
He pointed out that the team failed to advance beyond the group stage in three of its previous four major events. However, he viewed the most recent ICC T20 World Cup campaign as a positive step forward.
According to Hesson, Pakistan progressed beyond the group stage before narrowly missing a place in the semi-finals after a rain-affected match against New Zealand and a close defeat to England despite securing a victory over Sri Lanka.
He said the campaign demonstrated clear progress compared with previous tournaments, even though the team ultimately fell short of its objectives.
India’s Success Sets the Benchmark
Discussing Pakistan’s recent defeats against India in ICC and Asian Cricket Council competitions, Hesson acknowledged India’s dominance in white-ball cricket.
He described India as the world’s leading white-ball side and said several top international teams have struggled against them in recent years.
According to Beyond Time News, Hesson noted that while Ireland recently ended India’s long winning streak in T20 bilateral series, India’s overall consistency continues to set the standard for other cricketing nations.
He said Pakistan’s goal is to continue improving until it can consistently compete with the world’s strongest teams.
Confidence in Leadership and Senior Players
Hesson praised Shaheen Shah Afridi’s leadership of Pakistan’s ODI team, saying the fast bowler has handled the additional responsibility well despite the unique challenges pace bowlers face as captains.
He pointed to Pakistan’s success in winning three of its last four ODI series under Shaheen’s captaincy as evidence of his effective leadership.
When asked about reports surrounding Salman Ali Agha’s T20 captaincy, Hesson declined to comment on speculation, saying he had learned not to react to rumors.
The coach also backed former captain Babar Azam, highlighting his productive Pakistan Super League campaign and his ability to perform in different playing conditions.
Hesson acknowledged, however, that competition for places in Pakistan’s batting lineup remains intense.
Managing Fast Bowlers and Developing Match Winners
Workload management remains another priority for Pakistan’s coaching staff.
Hesson said maintaining high bowling speeds throughout an entire year is unrealistic and emphasized the importance of carefully managing fast bowlers to reduce injury risks and preserve effectiveness.
Rather than overusing pace bowlers, he suggested deploying them in short, aggressive spells to maximize their impact.
He also identified several powerful hitters, including Abdul Samad, Farhan Yousuf, Haider Ali, and Usman Khan, as players capable of strengthening Pakistan’s middle order. Hesson added that Shadab Khan continues to be one of the team’s most reliable finishers.
Overseas Exposure Remains Part of Future Planning
Addressing reports about a possible training camp in the United States, Hesson said no final decision has been made.
He confirmed, however, that selected players may attend overseas development camps in different countries to gain valuable international experience and exposure to varied playing environments.
Conclusion
Mike Hesson’s comments reflect a broader strategy focused on specialization, player development, and long-term planning. By supporting format-specific central contracts, investing in emerging talent, and preparing players for diverse international conditions, Pakistan aims to build a stronger squad capable of competing consistently in major ICC tournaments over the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Mike Hesson support Pakistan’s new central contracts?
He believes the format-based contracts allow players to focus on the formats where they perform best, improving both individual development and team success.
How is Pakistan preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup?
The PCB plans to hold a domestic white-ball tournament, arrange additional international series, and expose players to conditions similar to those expected in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Which young player did Mike Hesson praise?
Hesson highlighted fast bowler Abdul Subhan, describing him as a promising young talent with strong potential for future international cricket.
What did Hesson say about Babar Azam?
He praised Babar’s performances in the Pakistan Super League and said the batter remains capable of adapting to different conditions despite strong competition for places.
How does Hesson plan to manage Pakistan’s fast bowlers?
He emphasized workload management and recommended using pace bowlers in short, high-intensity spells instead of overburdening them throughout the year.
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