LAHORE, October 15, 2026: Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is likely to continue as head coach of the national Test team for the upcoming two-match home series against Sri Lanka in November, according to reports.
Mike Hesson Likely to Lead Pakistan in Sri Lanka Test Series
Hesson, who was appointed interim head coach ahead of Pakistan’s third Test against England, is expected to retain responsibility for the red-ball side during the forthcoming series. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet made an official announcement regarding his continued appointment.
The New Zealand coach was handed temporary responsibility for the Test team following Pakistan’s disappointing performances in the opening two matches of the England tour.
After consecutive defeats, the PCB introduced major changes to the coaching setup, replacing Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and making several adjustments to the national squad ahead of the third Test.
Hesson, already serving as Pakistan’s permanent white-ball head coach, subsequently took charge of the Test side on an interim basis.
Following the England series, Hesson expressed his willingness to accept the Test coaching position permanently, while acknowledging that improving Pakistan’s performance in the longest format would require sustained effort and planning.
Pakistan to Host Sri Lanka in November
Pakistan will now prepare to host Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series scheduled for November as part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
The first Test will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13, while the second Test is scheduled at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from November 17 to 21.
The upcoming series will provide Pakistan with another opportunity to improve its performance in Test cricket following its difficult tour of England.
For now, Hesson remains a leading possibility to oversee the national Test side against Sri Lanka, with an official confirmation from the PCB still awaited.
