Hardik Pandya Mike Hesson. Image Credits: AFPMike Hesson, Pakistan team head coach, has shed more light on the Men in Green’s preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 and revealed the players he thinks can do the role that Hardik Pandya performs for the Indian team.The 2027 ICC World Cup will be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The ICC, on July 30, 2026, also announced the venues for the Cricket World Cup. South Africa will host the World Cup at eight venues, while Zimbabwe will have three venues to host the World Cup matches. Namibia will host its share of World Cup games in Windhoek.Mike Hesson names these two players to play the role of finisher for Pakistan, like Hardik Pandya does for IndiaAbdul Samad and Shadab Khan are two players being trained for specialized finishing duties, according to Pakistan's white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who stated that the team is attempting to increase depth in preparation for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.In an interview with reporters in Lahore, Mike Hesson disclosed that Pakistan's coaching team is concentrating on developing a number of finishers who can end innings in white-ball cricket."Abdul Samad is developing as a finisher, while Shadab Khan is also performing a similar role. We are preparing several other players to become finishers as well," Hesson said.Also Read: ICC Announces 2027 World Cup Venues; 12 Grounds Finalised For Mega EventMike Hesson is happy with players getting practice time in camps and the National Champions CupMike Hesson clarified that developing experts for important batting positions is a component of Pakistan's long-term strategy, with individuals getting chances through the forthcoming National Champions Cup and the white-ball training camp.According to Hesson, the domestic competition will help players hone their abilities under duress and provide selectors with a more accurate assessment of their preparedness for international cricket.The Pakistani coach also emphasized the team's recent advancements, stating that they are now much more competitive when compared to the top countries in the world."The reality is that we were not competing consistently like the top teams before, but now we are competing, and that is an encouraging sign," he said.Pakistan’s upcoming international engagementsPakistan is currently engaged in a two-Test series in the Caribbean against the West Indies. They lost the first Test in Tarouba by more than 90 runs. The second Test will begin in Trinidad from August second.Pakistan will then travel to England for a series of three Tests. The first Test in England will begin on August 19 at Leeds, while the second game will be played at Lord’s from August 27. The third and final Test will be played at Birmingham starting September 9. Pakistan is also likely to play 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is against Ireland.Additionally, Hesson expressed optimism that Pakistan would carry on its history of producing impressive results at international competitions and reaffirmed his trust in the team's chances at the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.In the run-up to the 2027 World Cup, the former New Zealand coach thinks Pakistan's white-ball team will be strengthened by increasing List A opportunities, competitive domestic cricket, and ongoing investment in specialty roles.Also Read: Shreyas Iyer’s 'Marcus Stoinis Mistake' That Cost Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Title
