Jason Gillespie Backs Mike Hesson Amid Coaching Transition in Pakistan Cricket
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- June 18, 2025
- 9:40 am
- 40
- Trending
Former red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie has shown strong support for Pakistan’s coach Mike Hesson. He called the appointment a great opportunity and a real coaching challenge. In an interview with a local sports platform, Gillespie said the move may surprise some people. But from a coach’s point of view, it makes complete sense.
“There are always surprises in the world,” Gillespie said. “You do wonder why someone takes such a role. But working with Pakistan’s players is a brilliant opportunity.”
Gillespie, who coached Pakistan’s Test team briefly, also shared why he stepped down. He said his reasons were clear and already known. Still, he respected Hesson’s decision to take the job and saw the value in it.
“There were reasons I moved on. But from a coaching lens, it’s a chance to test yourself and help a team grow,” he explained. “I totally understand why Mike took the job.”
He praised Pakistan’s players and called them eager, coachable, and respectful. That, he said, was the best part of his own time with the team. “They just want to learn and get better. That’s what makes them great to work with,” he noted.
Gillespie also gave personal advice to Pakistan’s coach Mike Hesson. He encouraged him to enjoy the ride and focus on the positives. “Just enjoy the experience. He’ll love working with the players and staff. It will be fun and very rewarding.”
Speaking about challenges, Gillespie mentioned possible interference in the coaching process. He was asked if the new Director of High Performance, Aaqib Javed, might affect Hesson’s work. Gillespie said he wasn’t sure about Javed’s exact duties. But when told his role was limited to high performance, he replied, “Well then, Mike should be okay.”
He didn’t hold back when talking about interference. “Let Mike do his job. Trust him. Give him the space he needs,” Gillespie said. He stressed that success comes when coaches are trusted and allowed to work without pressure from outside.
Pakistan’s coach Mike Hesson officially began his role on May 26. Under his guidance, and with T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, the team recently swept Bangladesh 3-0 in a home series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced Aaqib Javed’s appointment on May 13. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the decision would boost the cricket setup. “Together, their leadership will play a big role in the success of our national team,” Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Javed, a former pacer and 1992 World Cup winner, has years of experience as both player and coach. He now steps in to replace Nadeem Khan as the Director of High Performance.
