Several Pakistan Players Reportedly Revolted Against Head Coach Mike Hesson in the Middle of T20 World Cup

The PCB plans to retain Salman Ali Agha as T20I captain and Mike Hesson as white-ball coach, with Pakistan cricket prioritizing stability.

Several Pakistan Players Reportedly Revolted Against Head Coach Mike Hesson in the Middle of T20 World Cup

Pakistani players reportedly had a rift with head coach Mike Hesson midway through the T20 World Cup. (via Indian Express)

In Short
  • Several Pakistan players reportedly revolted against head coach Mike Hesson during the T20 World Cup.
  • The Pakistan Cricket Board is facing a crisis following the team's exit from the tournament and player complaints about Hesson's management style.
  • Former selector Aleem Dar resigned due to disagreements with Hesson over player selections and tactics.

All is not well in Pakistan cricket, following the team’s 2026 T20 World Cup exit. A new development suggests that a serious crisis erupted when players on the T20I squad allegedly revolted against white-ball coach Mike Hesson midway through the tournament.

Pakistan endured a challenging T20 World Cup campaign, and their exit marks the fourth successive ICC tournament that they have failed to make it to the semi-finals. In the Super Eights, their first game was washed out, followed by a humiliating loss to England. Although a large-margin victory over Sri Lanka could have secured their spot in the semi-finals, Pakistan only managed to win by five runs.

While most of Pakistan’s players endured a tough run, Sahibzada Farhan and Usman Tariq were the exceptions. Farhan etched his name in history books, scoring a record 383 runs in six matches, while the spinner picked up nine wickets at an average of 14.10.

The exit seems to have hit the Pakistan Cricket Board hard, with them levying a hefty fine on the players. Furthermore, recent reports indicate that a significant rift within the dressing room has escalated into a major administrative crisis.

Geo Sports recently reported that Pakistan’s white-ball coach Mike Hesson faced opposition from his players, midway through the tournament. Several players individually approached the PCB to complain about the Kiwi’s behavior, alleging ‘unilateral’ decision-making, ‘rigid’ style and a lack of collaboration. This frustration even extended to captain Salman Ali Agha, who was reportedly upset that Hesson did not consult him on critical decisions.

The Geo Sports report further added that the conflict between the Pakistan players and their head coach possibly emerged over Hesson’s insistence on keeping Babar Azam and Shadab Khan in the playing XI, while overlooking talents like Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, and Abrar Ahmed until the final Super Eight clash. Mike Hesson’s extensive control, combined with the players’ grievances, has troubled the PCB, prompting officials to launch an inquiry.

Given Hesson’s contract with the Pakistan white-ball team runs until 2027, he is unlikely to be sacked by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi. The board, however, might formally warn the 51-year-old coach over his ‘flawed’ tactics, while hoping to maintain stability in the long run. 

Former umpire quits as Pakistan national team selector over feud with white-ball coach Mike Hesson

Aleem Dar seems to be the first major casualty of Pakistan’s embarrassing 2026 T20 World Cup exit, with the former umpire stepping down from his role as selector. Several reports indicate that Dar resigned over increasing differences with white-ball coach Mike Hesson. 

Aleem Dar Pakistan selector
Aleem Dar resigned from his position as Pakistan selector, owing to differences with Mike Hesson. (via NDTV Sports)

Pakistan’s exit put the onus upon the selectors and officials for their ‘ego-driven’ methods. Aleem Dar, a former umpire who joined the selection committee in 2024, resigned from his high-profile role. Dar’s decision is said to have been motivated by the inclusion of out-of-form players like Babar Azam and Shadab Khan in the WC squad, a point of contention with both Hesson and fellow selector Aqib Javed.

Furthermore, Aleem Dar had instead urged for Mohammad Rizwan‘s selection, and for the wicket-keeper batter to be given a middle-order batting role. Certain reports also suggest that prior to his resignation, Dar had cited Mike Hesson’s ‘extraordinary influence’ as a reason for his frustration. The 57-year-old felt like a mere ‘rubber stamp’ selector in squad selection, and was also not backed by the other selectors.

A reputed and established figure in international cricket, Aleem Dar’s exit could fuel a major upheaval within Pakistan cricket. The PCB reacted swiftly, appointing two former captains, Misbah-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Khan, to the selection committee, which also includes Aqib Javed and Asad Shafiq. 

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