United were initially the most successful team in the PSL, winning two of the first three titles with the late Dean Jones as head coach. Since his death, United have changed coaches, including Misbah-ul-Haq, Johan Botha and, most recently, Azhar Mahmood, although a third PSL title has proven elusive; They are the only team not to reach the final since 2018. The 2016 and 2018 champions are understood to have been in talks for some time, with United targeting Hesson as their first choice.
“Mike is very strategic and analytical in his approach, he has demonstrated abilities to create new and modern ways of playing, something his time in New Zealand demonstrates, and he is a great people manager,” United owner Ali Naqvi said. to ESPNcricinfo. “These are all attributes that ISLU has focused on as a team since the first season. In a way, it fits perfectly. This is a great endorsement of the brand and quality of cricket played in PSL and how the professionals in the cricket world watch United. “.
In an official statement, Naqvi said he was “delighted to bring a top-class and globally successful name like Hesson to Islamabad United. His rich coaching history and exceptional work with New Zealand and RCB make him the ideal choice to lead “Hesson’s coaching philosophy aligns closely with Islamabad United’s values and ambitions, and we are confident that his experience will take our team to new heights.”
Hesson said he had heard a lot about the quality of the PSL and was excited to experience it for himself. “I am delighted to be a part of Islamabad United,” Hesson said. “The professional, modern and of the mind The (conscious) approach associated with franchising resonates strongly with me. I am also impressed with United’s strategy based on the principle of the 4 Es: excellence, empowerment, education and environment. “I look forward to working with the talented players and staff to build a successful team and deliver exciting cricket to fans.”
PSL 2024 is scheduled to begin in February and will last until mid-March.