![Mike Hesson at a press conference ahead of NZ clash [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771658729308_MikeHessonatapressconferenceaheadofNZclash.jpg?type=hq)
Mike Hesson at a press conference ahead of NZ clash [Source: X]
After being appointed the Pakistan team's head coach in May 2025, Mike Hesson revealed his true form ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 match against New Zealand. The coach shared an emotional message directed at the BlackCaps, a team he coached for several years.
Hesson’s special message evokes nostalgia and emotion for both the Men in Green and the Kiwi camp, which he wrote on his social media handle on Instagram. While fans lauded Hesson’s sentiments, the 51-year-old solemnly pledged his alliance with the men in Green.
Mike Hesson’s Tenure And Success With Pakistan
Hesson has been an integral part of the Men in Green ever since his appointment. His tenure as white-ball head coach officially began on May 26, 2025, when he succeeded interim coach Aqib Javed after filling the void left by the sudden resignation of Gary Kirsten.
The Dunedin-born coach led Pakistan through several high-stakes tournaments, with his first official stint coming against Bangladesh in 2025.
In the Asia Cup 2025 too, Hesson spearheaded the Salman Ali Agha-led team to the final of the tournament, though the men in green failed to convert it into a win. Salman Agha & Co. were dominant in the group stage and Super Four stage of the ACC event.
In the T20 World Cup 2026 as well, Pakistan have successfully advanced to the Super Eight stage, where they are set to face New Zealand.
Ahead of the match, Hesson, who is one of the most recognised and successful coaches in Black Caps' history and who led the Kiwis to their first Cricket World Cup final in 2015, wrote an emotional message that stirred memories while also mixing emotions at the current stage.
Also Read: Mike Hesson Breaks Silence On Rift With Salman Ali Agha In T20 World Cup
Mike Hesson Sends Emotional Message Ahead Of NZ Clash
Taking to his official Instagram handle, Mike Hesson posted a series of photos with the New Zealand cricket team, featuring Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum.
He wrote a long caption that underlined his emotions before the high-stakes affair. Hesson wrote that donning a green uniform against his former team was not something he had expected.
“Donning a green uniform for Pakistan and strategising to play against New Zealand in a T20 World Cup 2026 match is not something I had seen coming a few years ago. Switches allegiances from your home country will be a new experience for me, but 7 years on from my role as Head Coach of the Blackcaps I’m ready to take on the challenge.
It has been nice to see some familiar faces at breakfast and catching up with old friends and the many talented kiwis scattered across coaching staff within different teams now. I am certainly kiwi at heart but for now that heart firmly belongs in green!” Hesson wrote.
Hesson’s Tenure As A Coach For New Zealand
Hesson's tenure as a Kiwi coach saw many notable achievements for the Black Caps. Though Hesson started his coaching career as the national coach of Argentina in 2003 and later served as the head coach of Kenya from 2011 to 2012, he was appointed the head coach of New Zealand in 2012, during which the team achieved a record 13-match winning streak across formats.
With their first World Cup final in 2015 under his leadership, Brendon McCullum & Co. also achieved the number one T20I ranking for the first time in May 2016.
The team also recorded an unprecedented seven successive undefeated Test series between 2013 and 2015, along with an emphatic 4-0 ODI series victory over India at home in 2014 and a first-ever ODI series win in South Africa in 2013.
This marked Hesson's tenure as a successful one before he resigned and stepped down to spend more time with his family.
Hesson Steers Past Controversies And Criticisms
Mike Hesson has faced considerable criticism because of his controversial decisions with the Pakistan cricket team, where player selections have been questioned, along with the redefinition of Babar Azam's position as a batter, which has kept him in the spotlight as a peculiar coach for the men in green.
Nevertheless, while Hesson has been an asset for New Zealand and is now proving his worth with the Pakistan cricket team, he remains focused on guiding the team to the T20 World Cup 2026 final at any cost.
Also Read: What Happens If Colombo Weather Abandons PAK Vs NZ T20 World Cup Match?
