Pakistan Coach Mike Hesson Gets Blunt Advice From Former Coach Gillespie

Former Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie has delivered a blunt warning to Mike Hesson, urging the new coach to trust his own judgement rather than simply accept decisions made around him.

Hesson has stepped into the Test role at a difficult time for Pakistan. The side suffered heavy defeats in the opening two Tests of the England tour, followed by major changes to the squad and coaching staff.

Pakistan sent seven players home and also parted ways with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. The reshuffle has added further pressure on Hesson as he begins his first Test assignment with the team.

Gillespie, who left the Pakistan Test job in December 2024 after only eight months, believes Hesson must protect his authority in the role.

“My advice to Mike would be: trust your instincts and don’t be a yes man,” Gillespie said.

He also praised Hesson as an excellent coach but warned him not to become absorbed in the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan cricket simply because he is being paid.

What Changed During Gillespie’s Tenure?

Gillespie’s comments are rooted in his own experience with the Pakistan Cricket Board. He said his responsibilities changed dramatically after Aaqib Javed became involved as chairman of selectors.

According to Gillespie, he initially joined with the understanding that Pakistan wanted to revive fast bowling. The plan included preparing pitches with more bounce and carry to encourage pace bowlers.

That vision, he claimed, changed after Aaqib’s appointment.

Jason Gillespie spent eight months with the Pakistan team before leaving his role in December 2024. He initially joined as the Test head coach, but his influence over selection and wider team affairs was later reduced. Reflecting on his experience, Gillespie advised Mike Hesson to trust his own instincts, stand by his decisions and avoid becoming a “yes man” within the setup. 

Gillespie Opens Up on the Fallout

Gillespie said he went from managing the Test side, players and staff, while having a role in selection, to having virtually no involvement outside coaching.

He accused Aaqib of undermining his position and said the experience damaged his confidence.

The former Australia all-rounder also revealed that the episode affected his desire to continue coaching. He described the experience as mentally draining and said it left him questioning whether he still wanted to remain involved in cricket.

For Hesson, the warning arrives at a critical point. Pakistan need results quickly, but they also need a settled Test structure. Mike Hesson will now have to balance the demands of the board with his own cricketing judgement as he attempts to steady the side.