Former New Zealand coach and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) director of cricket Mike Hesson has been appointed Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Islamabad United head coach for the 2024 season. United have been the PSL’s most profitable facet initially, profitable two of the primary three titles with the late Dean Jones as head coach.
Since his passing, United have switched between a number of coaches, together with Misbah-ul-Haq, Johan Botha, and most not too long ago Azhar Mahmood, although a 3rd PSL title has proved elusive; they’re the one facet to not have reached the ultimate since 2018. The 2016 and 2018 champions are understood to have been in discussions for a while, with United concentrating on Hesson as their first selection.
“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. Hesson’s coaching philosophy aligns closely with the values and ambitions of Islamabad United, and we are confident that his expertise will take our team to new heights,” mentioned Islamabad United in a press release launched on Wednesday.
_ Islamabad United have introduced Mike Hesson as their Head Coach for PSL 9!#PSL9 | #PSL2024 pic.twitter.com/z7FIMYTWLM
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) November 8, 2023
Hesson appeared extremely impressed with the standard of PSL and was excited to expertise it for himself. “I am delighted to be a part of Islamabad United,” Hesson mentioned. “The professional, modern, and dimagh se (mindful) approach associated with the franchise resonates strongly with me. I am also impressed with United’s strategy built around the principle of 4 Es – Excellence, Empowerment, Education and Environment. I look forward to working with the talented players and staff to build a successful team and deliver exciting cricket to the fans.”
Hesson, 49, was appointed head coach of New Zealand in 2012, having fun with a extremely profitable six years within the place with the nationwide facet. He was appointed director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore within the IPL in 2019, earlier than they parted methods earlier this 12 months.
PSL 2024 is scheduled to begin in February and can run until round mid-March.
