‘Weren’t My Decisions’ – Mike Hesson Breaks Silence on Sarfaraz and Umar Gul’s Removal

Mike Hesson has made it clear that he had no role in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to remove Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul from their coaching positions. He said those decisions had already been taken before he was given responsibility for the team.

Pakistan are currently preparing for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston, with the series already out of their reach. The visitors lost the first Test in Leeds before suffering another defeat at Lord’s, leaving them 2-0 behind.

The PCB responded to the two losses by making significant changes to the squad. Seven players were released, while five uncapped cricketers were added as the board looked to bring fresh faces into the Test side.

Surprisingly, sweeping changes were also made to the coaching staff. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were both released from their respective roles, with Hesson taking temporary charge alongside bowling coach Ashley Noffke.

When asked about this decision, Hesson stressed that he was not part of the process that led to those changes. He further explained his role in the interim Test setup, saying his main task is now to prepare Pakistan for the final Test and find the right combination for the team.

“I don't think anyone wants these sorts of things to happen in the middle of a series. Clearly not. Those decisions have been made and, from my perspective, it's a matter of putting a balanced squad together. Whether I'm involved or not, for this Test we need to have some variety in our attack,” said Mike Hesson while talking at a press conference.

Hesson also feels that giving younger cricketers more chances could bring a fresh spark to Pakistan’s cricket, especially by helping the team regain its strength and identity with the ball.

“Pakistan are known for pace, unusual actions and mystery spin. We haven't really been able to present any of that. We've picked some young players who haven't had three, four or five years of experience, but they have a point of difference,” said Mike Hesson.

Furthermore, Hesson emphasized the importance of giving chances to players with unique skills. According to him, this could bring more variety to the lineup, which could work in Pakistan’s favor against England at Edgbaston.

When asked specifically about his response to Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul’s removal, Hesson said those decisions were not his, so he could not answer for them.

“Umar Gul is a wonderful bowler. He’s probably one of the greats. But we’ve had to look at how we can support the new bowlers coming through, the young bowlers. Certainly, they’ve worked incredibly well with Ashley Noffke over the last few weeks,” said Mike Hesson.

“But those decisions were also made. They weren’t my decisions. Sarfaraz and Umar Gul were removed, and I was asked to come in and take over. So those are questions that are not for me to answer,” added Mike Hesson.