Despite progressing to the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2026 after beating Namibia in their final Group A match, Pakistan are facing criticism over tactical decisions, with head coach Mike Hesson drawing scrutiny from former players.
Former India cricketer
Mohammad Kaif questioned Hesson’s role following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the group stage. He pointed to Hesson’s extensive coaching background, including experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other leagues, and said it was surprising that Pakistan chose to field first on a surface that tends to slow down over time, making chasing harder later in the match.
Pakistan’s campaign has been uneven. They narrowly avoided an upset against the Netherlands in their opener and then lost heavily to India.
Although they secured a Super 8 spot, their overall performances have drawn concern from former players and supporters.
“Leave Salman Ali Agha, what is Hesson doing? Mike Hesson has coached in the IPL. He coaches everywhere. What is he telling them (Pakistan team), to field first against India? Free ke paise le raha hai kya bhai? (Are you taking money for free?),” Kaif asked while speaking on his YouTube channel.
“I can understand that it is the first World Cup for Agha and all that, he can be in doubt.
But does not Hesson know what he is supposed to do on that slow pitch? You brought Abrar into the power play, he got hit and then you dropped him,” Kaif said.
Kaif also questioned Pakistan’s handling of spinner Usman Tariq after the powerplay. The bowler has drawn attention for his action and has been among Pakistan’s steady performers in the tournament.
“It was you who took the wrong call; the spinner was supposed to come after the power play.
There was so much build-up with Usman Tariq’s action and all that and you brought him on as the seventh bowler,” Kaif added.
Pakistan relied heavily on spin against India, delivering 18 overs of spin in the innings. Captain Salman Ali Agha also opened the bowling with the new ball.
The plan initially worked when Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a duck early in the innings. After that breakthrough, however, Pakistan struggled to maintain control as India took charge of the match.
Pakistan will next face New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka in the Super 8 stage.
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