Mike Hesson Under Pressure With Player Complaints After Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 Exit

Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 exit has reportedly sparked dressing room unrest, with Mike Hesson facing pressure from players and the PCB over his leadership style.

Pakistan cricket is once again in turbulence following the team’s early elimination from the 2026 T20 World Cup. This time, the spotlight has fallen on head coach Mike Hesson, with reports suggesting unrest within the squad and growing scrutiny from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to reports in Pakistani media, several players reportedly approached PCB officials individually to raise concerns about Hesson’s ‘behaviour’. The coach has been described as ‘rigid’, with allegations that his unilateral style of functioning unsettled the dressing room environment.

It is claimed that Hesson made key decisions — ranging from squad selection to batting order choices — without adequate consultation with captain Salman Agha. Some within the setup have internally accused him of centralising authority, a sharp contrast to past complaints in Pakistan cricket where coaches were often seen as having too little influence.

Ironically, Hesson’s predecessors, Jason Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, had stepped down citing limited control over team matters, including selection and playing XI decisions.

PCB’s Balancing Act: Stability Over Swift Action?

Despite the dissatisfaction, the PCB — led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi — is reportedly reluctant to make an immediate change. Hesson still has a year remaining on his contract, and the board is said to prioritise “stability” at this juncture.

Instead of dismissal, a formal warning is believed to be under consideration. The board may reportedly convey that his ‘flawed planning’ harmed the team’s campaign, while a comprehensive tournament review is currently underway.

Pakistan’s exit from the competition has intensified internal evaluations, especially after a campaign that failed to progress beyond the Super Eight stage.

Aleem Dar’s Resignation And Selection Tensions

The controversy comes shortly after former selector Aleem Dar resigned from his role. Reports indicate Dar had reservations about the inclusion of certain players — particularly Babar Azam and Usman Khan — and was reportedly taken aback by Hesson’s overriding authority.

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Dar is believed to be one of the first casualties following Pakistan’s disappointing campaign, and more changes could follow. Captain Agha is also reportedly under scrutiny as the board assesses accountability.

Pakistan cricket has long been shaped by administrative turbulence and political influence, where blame often shifts quickly after major tournament failures. With tensions simmering inside and outside the dressing room, the coming weeks could prove decisive for Hesson and the current leadership structure.