Hesson’s grip blamed for Pakistan’s World Cup exit

In the T20 World Cup, Mike Hesson’s arbitrary decisions proved costly for the Green Shirts. The head coach reportedly took on the roles of selector and captain as well, leaving Salman Ali Agha as merely a figurehead while the real decisions were made by Hesson himself. According to sources, the selection committee had initially not included Babar Azam in the squad, but Hesson insisted on his inclusion. During matches, messages were reportedly sent to the captain, creating unnecessary pressure. Decisions such as dropping Fakhar Zaman for the opening matches and delaying Usman Tariq’s bowling in different games — or removing him despite taking wickets — were also attributed to the coach and bowling coach Ashley Noffke. During the West Indies tour, when Mohammad Rizwan made on-field decisions independently, the coach was said to have been displeased. The PCB has received a report regarding the coach. However, avoiding an immediate decision, the board will send him with the team on the Bangladesh tour. His continuation in the role beyond that, though, appears uncertain. According to details, Pakistan failed to progress beyond the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup. Players are facing widespread criticism for substandard performances, and the PCB has imposed fines of Rs 5 million each. However, responsibility does not lie solely with the players; head coach Mike Hesson is also said to have played a significant role. Highly reliable sources claim that Hesson not only assumed the role of selector but also effectively that of captain. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had granted him authority, but he allegedly overstepped his limits, and the team paid the price in the form of defeats. Sources revealed that before the World Cup, the selectors’ chosen squad did not include Babar Azam, but Hesson pushed strongly for his inclusion, arguing that the middle order looked weak during the Asia Cup and required an experienced batter. The decision backfired, as Babar endured a disappointing tournament. Despite consistent failures, Saim Ayub continued to be played, which resulted in Fakhar Zaman being sidelined. Similarly, the decision to promote Salman Ali Agha to number three also proved counterproductive. The coach was reportedly heavily involved in decisions regarding the playing XI and even what to do after winning the toss. Salman Agha was described as a weak captain who failed to assert his own views. Sources further stated that Hesson’s control extended to deciding which bowler would bowl when and which batter would be sent in at what stage. In the match against India, the decision to delay Usman Tariq’s bowling was taken by Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke. They also dropped Abrar Ahmed to allegedly avoid threatening Shadab Khan’s place in the team. In the match against England, when Usman Tariq took a wicket with his very first ball, it was surprising that instead of giving him another over, the ball was handed to Saim Ayub — a move reportedly directed by the coach. Sources added that Salman Agha’s mistake was complying with all of Hesson’s instructions. Previously, during the West Indies tour, when then-ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan received similar on-field instructions from the coach, he refused to follow them, which reportedly angered Hesson. Some senior players were also unhappy that the coach never explained the reasons behind their omission from the team. The PCB has received a report regarding the coach. However, while no immediate decision will be made and he will accompany the team to Bangladesh, his position after that tour appears far from secure.

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