Mike Hesson Reveals Pakistan’s Key Mission Ahead of 2027 World Cup
Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has outlined the major areas the team plans to improve as preparations begin for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. His focus includes strengthening squad composition, improving the team’s mindset, and ensuring players are ready for conditions expected in South Africa.
The upcoming World Cup is scheduled to take place from October 4 to November 21, 2027, and will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
During a recent discussion with a local sports platform, Hesson highlighted the need for Pakistan to find a reliable pace-bowling all-rounder to add more balance to the ODI setup. He explained that domestic competitions and training camps are being closely monitored in an effort to discover players capable of filling key roles within the side.
Hesson stated that the management is still looking for players to step forward and claim those positions through strong performances.
He also pointed out that Pakistan need to develop greater mental resilience, especially after repeatedly facing difficulties against teams that have held an advantage over them in recent years. According to him, changing the team’s mentality and removing any negative mindset will be important for future progress.
As part of the World Cup build-up, Pakistan will also attempt to prepare in conditions that mirror those likely to be experienced in South Africa. Hesson revealed that pitches resembling South African surfaces could be prepared to help players adjust well in advance.
Despite Pakistan’s inconsistent record in recent ODI World Cups, Hesson maintained that the team’s objective remains clear: competing for the title. However, he admitted that achieving that goal would require sustained performances and consistency throughout the tournament to ensure qualification beyond the early stages.
The Pakistan coach further added that expectations within the camp are no different from those of other major cricket nations, but success at global events comes from concentrating on one game at a time rather than becoming consumed by the bigger picture.
Pakistan last lifted the ODI World Cup trophy in 1992 and have only reached another final once, in 1999. The team has also endured group-stage eliminations in four of its last six World Cup campaigns, making the 2027 tournament a significant target during Hesson’s tenure.
