Islamabad United Names Mike Hesson as Head Coach for PSL 9

• Mike Hesson appointed Islamabad United PSL 9 head coach.
• Hesson’s coaching style matches team’s values.
• PSL 2024 starts in February; a crucial test for Hesson.

Islamabad United, one of the leading franchises in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has made a significant move ahead of the PSL 9 season by appointing former New Zealand coach and Royal Challengers Bangalore director, Mike Hesson, as their new head coach.

This decision comes after a series of coaching changes for the team since the untimely passing of the late Dean Jones, who initially served as the head coach. During Dean Jones’ tenure, Islamabad United was the most successful team in the early editions of the PSL, securing two championships in the first three seasons.

However, in the years following Jones’ tragic demise, the team experienced a revolving door of coaches, including Misbah-ul-Haq, Johan Botha, and most recently, Azhar Mahmood. Despite their early success, Islamabad United has struggled to advance to the PSL final since 2018, leading the franchise to actively seek a coaching solution.

Mike Hesson’s appointment as head coach is seen as a strategic move to rejuvenate the team’s fortunes. Hesson brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in cricket coaching. He is renowned for his strategic and analytical approach, as well as his ability to modernize and innovate the game, as demonstrated during his successful tenure as New Zealand’s head coach.

Ali Naqvi, the owner of Islamabad United, expressed his excitement about Hesson’s appointment, highlighting his skills in creating innovative playing methods and his reputation as a people manager. Naqvi believes that Hesson’s coaching philosophy aligns well with the team’s values and ambitions, making him an ideal fit to lead Islamabad United to new heights.

In an official statement, Ali Naqvi stated, “I am 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.”

Mike Hesson, in response to his appointment, conveyed his eagerness to be a part of Islamabad United and experience the high-quality cricket in the PSL. He praised the franchise’s professional and modern approach and their focus on values like excellence, empowerment, education, and environment. Hesson expressed his commitment to working with the talented players and staff to build a successful team that delivers exciting cricket to the fans.

Mike Hesson, 49, had a remarkable six-year stint as New Zealand’s head coach, leading the team to their first World Cup final in 2015 and helping them become a strong force in international cricket, particularly at home. He also served as the director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) before parting ways with the team earlier this year.

The PSL 2024 season is scheduled to kick off in February and run through the middle of March, and Islamabad United fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team performs under the leadership of their new head coach, Mike Hesson.

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