Rashid Latif Questions Mike Hesson’s Loyalty Over IPL Links

Pakistan cricket’s troubles have extended beyond their performances on the field, with former players raising questions about the team’s management and coaching setup. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has now questioned Mike Hesson’s loyalty to Pakistan, citing the New Zealander’s previous involvement in the Indian Premier League.

Latif compared Hesson with former Pakistan coaches Bob Woolmer and Geoff Lawson, highlighting what he described as their loyalty to the country. Hesson, who has previously worked with Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, was then singled out by Latif.

Latif suggested that Hesson’s IPL connections could create doubts about his commitment to Pakistan and even claimed that individuals linked to the league could potentially use him as an “agent”. He did not provide any evidence to support the allegation.

Hesson’s association with the IPL is well known and is not unusual for a modern international coach. However, Latif’s comments have added another layer of controversy around Pakistan cricket at a time when the team is already facing significant pressure.

Hesson has been in charge of Pakistan’s white-ball team for more than a year, despite the side’s disappointing campaign at the T20 World Cup earlier this year. During the ongoing England tour, the Pakistan Cricket Board has also made major changes to the coaching and playing setup.

Following two heavy defeats in the Test series, seven players were sent home and head coach Sarfraz Ahmed was removed from his position. Hesson, who was already responsible for the white-ball team, was subsequently given charge of the Test side for the third and final match in Birmingham.

The changes have not immediately improved Pakistan’s fortunes. The team were bowled out for 133 in their first innings of the third Test, with Saud Shakeel’s 43 being the highest score among the top eight batters. None of the other seven crossed 10 runs. England responded by making 453, leaving Pakistan with a substantial deficit.

At the end of Day 2, Pakistan were 52 for 2 and still 268 runs behind England. The result left the visitors in serious danger of suffering a 3-0 series defeat.

The problems have also extended beyond performances and selection. The PCB has launched an investigation into player discipline and conduct, while former coach Jason Gillespie has criticised the way the latest overhaul was implemented. Pakistan have gone through six Test coaches in three years and have managed to win only one of their last eight Test series.

The England tour has highlighted the depth of Pakistan’s batting struggles. Across the series, they have failed to score 200 in any of their seven innings, adding to concerns about the team’s overall stability and performance.

Latif’s comments about Hesson’s IPL links have therefore arrived amid an already turbulent period for Pakistan cricket. With the team struggling on the field and undergoing repeated changes off it, questions surrounding the coaching setup are likely to remain part of the wider debate over the direction of Pakistan cricket.