Image Credit- BCCI
Mike Hesson, the director of Royal Challengers
Bangalore and a former coach in New Zealand, has been named head coach of
Islamabad United. Hesson will add “unparalleled excellence and
experience” to the team, according to United, who also highlighted 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 after 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
priority.
“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,”
United owner Ali Naqvi told ESPNcricinfo. “These are all the attributes
ISLU has focussed on as a team from season one. In some ways he is a perfect
fit. This is a big endorsement on the brand and quality of cricket played at
PSL and how United is viewed by global cricket professionals.”
In an official statement, Naqvi said he was
“thrilled to bring in a globally accomplished and premier name like Hesson
to Islamabad United. His rich history in coaching and his exceptional work with
New Zealand and RCB make him the ideal choice to lead our team. Hesson’s
coaching philosophy aligns closely with the values and ambitions of Islamabad
United, and we are confident that his expertise will take our team to new
heights.”
Hesson said he had heard plenty about the quality of
the PSL and was excited to experience it for himself. “I am delighted to
be a part of Islamabad United,” Hesson said. “The professional,
modern, and dimagh se (mindful) approach associated with the franchise
resonates strongly with me. I am also impressed with United’s strategy built
around the principle of 4 Es – Excellence, Empowerment, Education and
Environment. I look forward to working with the talented players and staff to
build a successful team and deliver exciting cricket to the fans.”