Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to retain Mike Hesson as interim Test head coach until the conclusion of the current World Test Championship cycle, according to a PTI report.
The New Zealander, who joined the set-up in May 2025 as white-ball head coach, assumed Test duties during the England tour two months ago after Sarfaraz Ahmed was removed mid-series.
PCB and Hesson have informed the players of the arrangement, which will also cover next year's Test series against New Zealand, the report said.
Hesson's long-term future will be assessed after the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, when the board will also appoint a permanent Test coach for the next WTC cycle.
The decision extends Hesson's influence across both formats, raising questions about his authority over selection after captain Babar Azam said on Sunday he does not participate in picking squads.
Babar stated that team management and the selection committee are responsible for choosing the 15-16 players, while his role is to get the best out of those made available.
Hesson is reported to share a close working relationship with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is said to have strong faith in the coach's knowledge and decision-making.
The former New Zealand and Royal Challengers Bangalore coach has overseen Pakistan's white-ball teams since his appointment last year and now adds red-ball responsibilities until at least mid-2027.
Pakistan's next Test assignment is a home series against New Zealand early next year, which will be Hesson's first full series in charge of the red-ball side.
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