Who really runs Pakistan cricket? Hesson’s role under scrutiny

Summary

• KARACHI: Pakistan cricket is once again facing questions over who truly holds the authority inside the national team, with head coach Mike Hesson’s growing influence raising concerns about the role and independence of the captain.
• The coach was reportedly influential in matters ranging from team selection to batting combinations and bowling changes, leaving the captain with limited room to exercise authority.
• If the captain is held responsible whenever Pakistan loses, he must also have the freedom to choose the playing XI, decide bowling changes and determine batting combinations.

AI Generated Summary

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket is once again facing questions over who truly holds the authority inside the national team, with head coach Mike Hesson’s growing influence raising concerns about the role and independence of the captain.

The debate has intensified after Pakistan’s recent struggles and the expected change in T20 leadership. Salman Ali Agha appears set to lose the captaincy, with Sahibzada Farhan among the names being considered as his possible replacement.

The central question, however, is bigger than the identity of the next captain: will he actually have the authority to lead?

Following Pakistan’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, reports emerged suggesting that Hesson had become heavily involved in on-field decisions. The coach was reportedly influential in matters ranging from team selection to batting combinations and bowling changes, leaving the captain with limited room to exercise authority.