Mike Hesson exposes Pakistan ODI team flaws ahead of World Cup, says side still far from ready

Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has delivered a brutally honest assessment of Pakistan’s ODI setup, admitting the team is still “a work in progress” with major concerns in bowling, middle-order batting, fitness and squad balance just 18 months before the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Speaking during the latest PCB Podcast, Hesson revealed that management is still searching for the right combination and is widening the player pool rather than relying on the same established names.

The former New Zealand national cricket team coach acknowledged that Pakistan had shown improvement in T20 cricket under his tenure, but stressed that ODI cricket remains a major challenge for the side.

“There’s a lot of work to do,” Hesson said while discussing Pakistan’s preparations for the 50-over World Cup.

In one of the most striking parts of the conversation, Hesson openly admitted Pakistan’s inability to dominate with the ball in ODI cricket, especially in the powerplay overs.

“We’ve really struggled to take wickets in the power play in ODI cricket,” he said, while emphasising that Pakistan’s bowlers must become far more disciplined and consistent.

Hesson added that Pakistan’s attack possesses pace and talent but lacks control, saying ODI cricket requires bowlers to limit scoring opportunities consistently rather than operate as “scattergun” bowlers.

The coach also highlighted Pakistan’s struggles with the bat, particularly during the middle overs, where he believes the team often loses momentum before trying to recover late in the innings.

“We often leave too much to do at the end of the innings because we’re a little bit passive through the middle overs,” Hesson admitted.

While praising vice-captain Salman Ali Agha for averaging close to 50 in ODI cricket, Hesson stressed that the middle order still requires stronger support and more intent.

Another major concern raised by the coach was Pakistan’s overall fitness and fielding standards. Hesson credited fielding coach Shane McDermott for improving awareness among players but admitted that the squad still lacks the intensity needed to consistently compete at the highest level.

He warned that the next few months would be “critical” in improving fitness standards before the World Cup cycle intensifies.

Hesson also confirmed that Pakistan is planning preparatory tours in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia ahead of the World Cup, saying conditions across the three countries differ significantly and will require adaptable players.

The Pakistan coach defended the decision to back emerging players despite inconsistent performances, insisting that young cricketers need time and patience to settle into international cricket.

He specifically mentioned names like Maaz Sadaqat, Shamyl Hussain, and Abdul Samad as players the management sees as long-term prospects for the World Cup cycle.

Despite acknowledging the scale of the challenge, Hesson insisted Pakistan’s target remains winning against top sides such as the Australia national cricket team while simultaneously building a squad capable of competing for the World Cup title.