Pakistan cricket coach Mike Hesson has come under renewed scrutiny after former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif questioned the loyalty of foreign coaches with Indian Premier League (IPL) connections.
Latif’s comments came as Pakistan’s struggles continued in the third Test against England at Headingley, where the visitors were bowled out for just 133 in their first innings. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 43, while Pakistan once again failed to cross the 200-run mark.
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The poor performance has intensified criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with several former players questioning the team’s preparation, selection and coaching methods.
Latif, however, went further by raising concerns about the background and loyalties of foreign coaches who have previously worked in the IPL. Hesson, who was appointed Pakistan’s white-ball coach in May 2025, previously worked with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL and also served as head coach of New Zealand.
Speaking on YouTube, Latif stressed that loyalty should be an important consideration when appointing a foreign coach.
“Loyalty factor is very important for a foreign coach,” Latif said, while recalling former Pakistan coaches Bob Woolmer and Geoff Lawson as examples of coaches he believed had shown commitment to the country.
Latif then turned his attention towards coaches who had arrived in Pakistan after working in the IPL.
“I am not putting the blame on anyone, but the coach who has come after doing IPL, there will always be doubt about him,” he said.
While Latif stopped short of directly accusing Hesson of disloyalty, he suggested that the PCB should conduct detailed background checks on foreign coaches before appointing them.
According to Latif, coaches with links to the IPL could potentially have wider professional connections that deserve scrutiny. He also used the term “agents” while discussing such links, saying the PCB should examine a coach’s history and associations.
“One who is directly linked with IPL, from people there, who might want to use him, that’s how agents are formed,” Latif said.
The remarks add another layer to the pressure surrounding Hesson’s tenure. Pakistan reached the Asia Cup final under his leadership but lost the summit clash to India. The side subsequently failed to reach the semi-finals of the Men’s T20 World Cup after defeats against India and England in the Super 8 stage.
Hesson has also been thrust into a broader coaching role during Pakistan’s ongoing Test struggles. With Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed replaced in the dressing-room setup during the England tour, the pressure on the coaching staff has increased.
Pakistan’s latest batting collapse has only strengthened calls for change. After being dismissed for 133, England finished the opening day of the third Test on 156/4, taking a 23-run lead.
For Pakistan, the immediate concern remains performance on the field. But Latif’s comments have shifted part of the debate towards the credibility, background and perceived loyalties of the people entrusted with rebuilding the side.
