Mike Hesson Expected to Stay for Pakistan's Sri Lanka Tests

Mike Hesson is expected to remain in charge of Pakistan's Test team for the two-match series against Sri Lanka in November 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board has not said so itself.

In this article we set out what is expected, what Hesson has said he wants, and the dates already fixed. Here is everything you need to know.

Why Mike Hesson's role is still interim

The New Zealand coach took over on an interim basis after the PCB made changes to the coaching staff. Those changes followed defeats against England. The score of that England series is not part of this report.

Hesson has expressed interest in continuing with the red-ball team. Expectation is not the same as an appointment. The PCB has yet to make an official announcement.

The series dates are already set. The first Test is in Rawalpindi from 9 to 13 November. The second is in Lahore from 17 to 21 November.

Why it matters

A home series in November needs a named coach, and the board has not named one for certain. Until it does, Hesson is the person expected to stay, not the person confirmed.

• The coach is Mike Hesson, from New Zealand
• The role under discussion is the Test team
• The status so far is interim
• The opponent is Sri Lanka, in November 2026
• Rawalpindi is 9 to 13 November
• Lahore is 17 to 21 November

What has not been decided in public

1. An official PCB announcement on the coach.
2. Whether the role extends past these two Tests.
3. The result or the margin of the defeats against England.
4. Any other change to the coaching staff for this series.

What happens next

A PCB statement would turn an expectation into an appointment, or replace it. We will update this article if the board announces the Test coach.

Our verdict

Mike Hesson is expected to stay in charge of Pakistan's Test side for Sri Lanka, with Tests in Rawalpindi from 9 to 13 November and Lahore from 17 to 21 November. He has said he wants to continue. The PCB has not announced it.

Follow for more updates.