Pakistan Cricket Team Stands by Coach Mike Hesson After His Mother’s Passing

In a heartfelt and emotional moment, the Pakistan national cricket team gathered in Karachi to offer their condolences to head coach Mike Hesson after the recent passing of his mother. The team showed their support during a dinner hosted by team manager Naveed Akram Cheema. This gathering took place just before the start of the white-ball training camp, which officially begins today.

The dinner was held at a local venue and attended by all players and coaching staff. It wasn’t just a team meal—it marked the beginning of Pakistan’s preparation for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. Before any food was served or speeches made, the entire squad stood together and observed a one-minute silence in honor of Mike Hesson’s late mother. This moment of silence reflected the deep respect and unity within the team.

Senior players and coaching staff led the tribute, highlighting the strong bond and support system that exists within the squad. The team is currently going through a phase of change, both in terms of players and leadership, but gestures like this show the growing sense of family and togetherness. Although Mike Hesson joined the team as the white-ball head coach only a few months ago, he has already earned great respect from the players and staff. His loss was not just acknowledged—it was shared by the entire group.

The upcoming tour of Bangladesh will be Hesson’s first series outside Pakistan as the team’s head coach. To prepare, a training camp started today at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi and will continue until July 15. The camp includes the 15 players selected for the T20I squad and five additional players invited by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to train with the team.

On the final day of the camp, a press conference will be held by Pakistan’s T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha. He is expected to talk about the team’s training progress, his views on captaincy, and how the squad is adjusting under the new coaching staff.

Although the focus has now shifted to training and performance, the heartfelt tribute to Coach Mike Hesson reminded everyone that cricket is more than just a game—it’s about people, relationships, and standing by one another in tough times. For Hesson, who has coached teams around the world, this moment must have felt deeply personal. It showed that he is not just a coach to this team—he is a valued part of the family.

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