LAHORE – Pakistan men’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has outlined an extensive rebuilding plan for the national ODI side, stressing the need for greater squad depth, improved consistency and long-term preparation ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. With the World Cup scheduled to be held across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia in less than two years, Hesson said Pakistan can no longer rely on a fixed group of players and must instead develop a wider, more adaptable squad capable of performing in varying conditions.
Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming three-match home ODI series against Australia, Hesson said: “We have to widen the group. Rather than selecting the same players all the time, the ODI squad remains a work in progress. We need to identify the best squad possible over the next year and a half.”
Pakistan’s preparations for the World Cup will begin with the Australia series, scheduled from May 31 to June 4, with the coaching staff already using training camps and domestic assessments to evaluate both emerging and established players. Hesson revealed that the recently concluded white-ball camp at the National Cricket Academy provided management with a valuable opportunity to assess new talent and measure their readiness for international cricket. “The last two weeks provided a good opportunity for us to identify new talent, assess them alongside existing players and understand where the gaps are,” he said. “Some of these young players are promising, but there is still work to do.”
The 16-member ODI squad includes several inexperienced players, particularly in the batting department, with injuries and absences to Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan opening the door for younger cricketers to stake their claim. Hesson acknowledged the challenges facing newcomers at the international level and urged fans and stakeholders to remain patient as the next generation develops. “There needs to be patience with younger players,” he said. “International cricket is challenging and not every player performs immediately. Some players simply need time and experience.” The coach also highlighted the team’s inability to take wickets regularly during the powerplay as one of the major concerns. “We’ve struggled to take wickets in the powerplay in ODI cricket,” Hesson admitted. “We need bowlers who can consistently bowl tighter lines and create pressure early in the innings.”
He added that Pakistan’s bowling unit must become more disciplined across all conditions, regardless of whether surfaces favour pace or spin. In the batting department, Hesson stressed the need for greater urgency during the middle overs, pointing out that Pakistan often leave too much responsibility to the finishers late in the innings. “We have to be more efficient through the middle overs,” he said.
“At times we’ve been a little passive, which leaves too much to do at the end.” While praising Salman Ali Agha for his performances in ODI cricket, Hesson said: “Salman Ali Agha has been exceptional, but we need more support around him and we need to be far busier in the middle overs.”
Hesson also revealed that Pakistan have already started exploring opportunities to play in conditions similar to those expected during the 2027 World Cup, noting that adaptability will be critical given the differing environments across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Hesson believes the Australian team will provide an ideal benchmark for Pakistan’s developing side. “They’ll be hurting from their last tour here and ODI cricket is probably one of their stronger formats at the moment,” he said.
Despite the challenges ahead, Hesson asserted: “Pakistan fans are incredibly passionate and supportive,” he said. “We know Australia will be a strong challenge, but we want supporters to continue backing the team and support the younger players coming through.”
