Lahore (Sports Desk) — During the final against India at the Asian Games, Mike Hesson remained highly active despite staying outside the field, and several important decisions by the Pakistan team were made according to his instructions.
A few months ago, after Pakistan were eliminated from the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, a report criticized Mike Hesson, alleging that he had exercised powers beyond those of a coach and also used the authority of a captain. According to the report, Salman Ali Agha was apparently the captain, but Hesson’s role in important decisions remained prominent.
Despite Babar Azam not being included in the initial squad, he was included in the team at Hesson’s insistence. Questions were also raised over decisions such as sending messages to the captain during matches, keeping Fakhar Zaman out of the early matches, and dropping Usman Tariq from different matches despite his taking wickets.
Despite this situation, Hesson not only remained in his position but also took charge of the Test team during the England tour in the absence of other coaches.
In the Asian Games final, Pakistan had a good opportunity to defeat India, but certain decisions regarding the selection of the playing XI and bowling changed the course of the match. Hesson remained continuously active outside the field and his instructions were followed, leading to him being described as a “non-playing captain.”
The article argues that the Pakistan cricket team needs an empowered captain who can make his own decisions. In the past, captains such as Imran Khan, Younis Khan and Sarfaraz Ahmed had the freedom to make decisions within the team, while the coach did not continuously issue instructions from outside the field.
Questions have also been raised over whether Mike Hesson’s contract gives him authority in the formation of the initial squad and the selection of the playing XI. According to the article, the coach should remain within the scope of his responsibilities, while a separate selection committee should be formed for squad selection.
The article has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board not to include Mike Hesson and Aaqib Javed in the new selection committee and to clearly divide authority over squad and team matters, even while seeking the coach’s opinion.
After Pakistan failed to win the gold medal at the Asian Games, a clear strategy and proper division of responsibilities have now been described as essential for Pakistan cricket.