New Zealand’s Hesson reportedly declines Pakistan coaching job

Former New Zealand cricket head coach Mike Hesson has reportedly turned down offer to become the next coach for Pakistan team, after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sacked head coach Mickey Arthur weeks ago.

The former coach of Black Caps did not apply for the vacant coaching positions with Pakistan or Bangladesh, stuff.co.nz reported citing their sources. As per the report, Hesson didn't contest for the job because he was not keen to return to the punishing year-round schedule of international coaching and give up his television commitments with Star Sports.

Just to clarify as plenty of speculation about ........ I have not applied for the Pakistan Head Coach Role with @TheRealPCB. Whoever gets the role certainly has plenty of talent to work with and would be an exciting proposition for whoever gets the job!#pakistan

— Mike Hesson (@CoachHesson) 21 August 2019

Hesson, who was part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Kings XI Punjab side, was among the strong contenders for the posts after the New Zealand exited from the IPL franchise.

Pakistan cricket is looking for a new coaching staff after the board announced to axe the contracts of head coach Mickey Arthur and company. With Hesson out of the picture, it seems like the former captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who is reportedly in the race to become Pakistan’s next head coach, might emerge as a favourite candidate.