Hesson Leaves Pakistan After Successful T20 Campaign
Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, travelled back to New Zealand for a short vacation after the end of the recent Tri-Nation T20 Series in Lahore. The three-team tournament featured Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Pakistan lifted the title after a strong six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final.
Hesson completed a demanding stretch of matches during Pakistan’s white-ball season. He spent several weeks with the squad, managed training sessions, and guided new players through their roles. After the final, he chose to return home for rest and time with his family.
My Face Is Tired, but I Am Happy, Says Hesson
Before his departure, Hesson posted a short message on social media. He wrote: My face is tired, but I am happy. I’m starting a long journey back home.
He added that he missed his family throughout the tour. According to him, a few quiet weeks at home will help him reset before Pakistan’s next assignments. He also noted the difference in weather. Pakistan’s winter surprised him, and he said he missed the warm conditions in New Zealand.
Hesson’s comments offered a glimpse into the hectic routine that international coaches often experience. Long travel schedules, intense training blocks, and pressure-filled matches create fatigue that coaches rarely mention publicly.
Coach Commends Pakistani Players
Hesson praised the Pakistani squad for their strong finish to the year. He said: I feel delighted because we ended the season with a win. The boys played very well.
His remarks reflect the team’s progress over the past few months. Pakistan struggled with consistency earlier in the year, but the team improved in several areas. Players delivered better performances in the powerplay, used smarter shot selection in the middle overs, and held their nerves during tight situations. The bowlers also corrected issues in the death overs, which had cost Pakistan several matches in previous tournaments.
Hesson and his support staff tested new combinations during the series. They rotated young players and gave them key roles in high-pressure moments. Analysts believe this approach strengthened Pakistan’s bench depth. The team also showed sharper fielding, something critics often highlight as a weakness.
Pakistan’s Near-Term Schedule Remains Light
Pakistan do not have a packed schedule in the coming weeks. However, January will bring important assignments as the team prepares for global events.
Three T20Is in Sri Lanka – Early January
The team will travel to Sri Lanka in the first week of January for a short three-match T20I series.
This tour matters because Sri Lanka will host the 2025 ICC T20 World Cup, and similar conditions will help Pakistan plan their strategy.
Australia’s Tour of Pakistan – Late January
Australia will then tour Pakistan in the final week of January. Their visit includes white-ball matches. Pakistan hope to test their combinations against a strong side. Coaches want players to gain confidence before the World Cup.
Preparation for the 2025 T20 World Cup
After the Australia series, the team will return to Sri Lanka for the World Cup. Management plans to run a focused training camp. Sessions will cover spin-friendly surfaces, match simulations, and tactical drills that suit subcontinent venues.
Recap of Pakistan’s Tri-Nation Win
Pakistan produced a composed performance in the final. Sri Lanka set a competitive total, but Pakistan chased it effectively. Batters kept the run rate steady and avoided risky shots. Bowlers supported the team with disciplined lines earlier in the match.
The title came at an important moment. Pakistan lost several close games earlier in the year, and this win restored confidence. It also reinforced Hesson’s methods and gave younger players belief in their roles.
