Azhar Mahmood is replaced as coach by a former New Zealander as the team pursues a third PSL championship.
Mike Hesson, the director of Royal Challengers Bangalore and a former coach in New Zealand, has been named head coach of Islamabad United. United announced that Hesson would be joining the team with “unparalleled excellence and experience,” citing his “exceptional track record in international cricket and a reputation for strategic leadership.”
With the late Dean Jones serving as head coach, United was the PSL’s most successful team at first, taking home two of the first three championships. United have had multiple coaches since his death: Misbah-ul-Haq, Johan Botha, and most recently Azhar Mahmood. However, a third PSL championship has eluded them; they are the only team that hasn’t advanced to the championship since 2018. It’s believed that the 2016 and 2018 champions have been talking for a while, with United reportedly having Hesson as their top target.
United owner Ali Naqvi told ESPNcricinfo, “Mike is very strategic and analytical on his approach, has proven skills of creating new and modern ways of playing – something his NZ stint demonstrates – and is a great people-manager.” “Since the first season, ISLU has prioritized these qualities as a team. He is ideal in certain aspects. This is a significant endorsement of the PSL’s brand, the caliber of cricket played there, and the way international cricket pros see United.”
“Thrilled to bring in a globally accomplished and premier name like Hesson to Islamabad United,” Naqvi said in an official statement. He is the perfect person to lead our team because of his extensive coaching background and his outstanding work with the RCB and New Zealand. Islamabad United shares many of the same goals and values as Hesson’s coaching philosophy, so we know his skill will lead our team to new heights.”
Hesson stated that he was eager to try the PSL because he had heard great things about it. Hesson declared, “I am thrilled to be a part of Islamabad United.” The franchise’s professional, contemporary, and dimagh se (mindful) approach really speaks to me. United’s approach, which is based on the 4 Es (Excellence, Empowerment, Education, and Environment), is also impressive. In order to create a winning team and provide the fans with thrilling cricket, I’m looking forward to working with the talented players and staff.”
Hesson, 49, had a very successful six years as the national team’s head coach after being named the team’s head coach in 2012. Under Hesson, New Zealand advanced to their first World Cup final (2015), where they were defeated by Australia, and emerged as a formidable force at home.
Before they split up earlier this year, he was named director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2019 Indian Premier League.
The PSL 2024 season is slated to begin in February and run through the middle of March.
