ISLAMABAD: Mike Hesson has emerged as the most powerful figure in Pakistan cricket, with the national team director now entrusted with sweeping powers over technical and selection matters following a major shake-up in the team management. Well-placed sources told The News that Hesson has effectively taken charge of key technical decisions, while Aaqib Javed appears to have taken a back seat, at least for the time being, amid growing uncertainty within the Pakistan cricket hierarchy.
The turmoil intensified after former Test captain and selector Misbah-ul-Haq parted ways with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), reportedly following the board’s decision to make sweeping changes to the national team in the middle of the England series.
A source close to the Pakistan team in London claimed that following the removal of Sarfaraz and Gul from their respective roles, all major selection matters have effectively been placed under Hesson’s control. “Even Babar Azam has been asked to stay away from selection matters, particularly when it comes to finalising the best XI for the third Test against England,” the source claimed. The third Test is scheduled to begin at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on September 9.
Misbah’s departure came after he was reportedly served a show-cause notice over his role in the selection of Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq. According to sources, Misbah considered the move an affront and decided to resign from the selection set-up.
The former Pakistan captain’s exit came shortly after the PCB’s decision to axe seven players and two members of the coaching staff midway through the England tour, a move that has triggered considerable unrest within the Pakistan camp. Sources further claimed that Aaqib Javed was also unhappy with the abrupt manner in which the changes were made. “Hesson was behind these decisions and even Aaqib Javed was not happy with the way things were handled.
Hesson will now call the shots on team selection and technical matters,” a source alleged. The situation has raised fears of a wider shake-up, with Sarfaraz and Gul reportedly considering following Misbah’s example and severing ties with Pakistan cricket.
“There could be more resignations in the coming days. You cannot rule out Sarfaraz and Umar Gul parting ways with Pakistan cricket. Both are seriously considering resigning,” the source said.
Sarfaraz has reportedly been offered the option of continuing his association with the Pakistan set-up in a role involving junior players, although it remains unclear whether he will accept the offer or decide to leave altogether. Meanwhile, uncertainty also surrounds Babar Azam’s participation in the Birmingham Test. Sources suggested that the former captain could potentially sit out the third Test, although there has been no official confirmation of such a decision. “You never know what Babar Azam has planned.
There are chances that he may sit out the Birmingham Test citing one reason or another. Pakistan could even have a new captain for the third Test at Edgbaston,” the source said. With Pakistan’s Test series against England reaching a critical stage and a two-match home series against Sri Lanka looming afterwards, the developments have plunged Pakistan cricket into another period of uncertainty.
