Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has said that the national team is in a continuous process of rebuilding and refining its One Day International (ODI) squad with a clear focus on the upcoming World Cup cycle. Speaking on the PCB Podcast, Hesson emphasized that the team management is working with a long-term vision of developing a balanced and competitive side capable of performing consistently at the highest level.

Hesson stated that one of Pakistan’s key concerns in ODI cricket remains its batting performance during the middle overs. According to him, this phase of the innings often determines the outcome of matches, and Pakistan must improve its ability to rotate strike, build partnerships, and accelerate effectively after the powerplay.

He explained that modern ODI cricket demands adaptability and depth in both batting and bowling, and Pakistan is currently evaluating players who can fulfill these requirements under pressure situations. The coaching staff, he added, is closely monitoring domestic and international performances to identify players who can strengthen the squad in specific roles.

Highlighting the importance of planning, Hesson said that the ultimate goal is to assemble the best possible ODI squad over the next 18 months. This period, he noted, is crucial for experimentation, talent identification, and role clarity so that when the World Cup arrives, the team is fully prepared and settled.

He further revealed that recent white-ball training camps have provided a valuable opportunity to assess emerging talent. Several young players have impressed the coaching staff with their skills and potential, but Hesson stressed that talent alone is not enough. He pointed out that consistency, discipline, and experience under pressure are equally important, and these qualities take time to develop at the international level.

According to Hesson, Pakistan’s cricket structure is producing exciting new players, but they must be given adequate time and exposure to mature. He emphasized the importance of patience from both selectors and fans, noting that frequent changes can disrupt the development of young cricketers.

The head coach also discussed tactical areas that require improvement, particularly in bowling. He said Pakistan needs to focus on taking more wickets during the powerplay overs, which can significantly shift momentum in limited-overs matches. Additionally, maintaining consistency in line and length during the middle overs remains a key priority for the bowling unit.

Fitness, Hesson added, is another major factor influencing performance levels. He stated that improvements in player fitness directly translate into better fielding, sharper bowling spells, and more effective running between the wickets. The coaching staff is therefore placing strong emphasis on conditioning and workload management to ensure players remain fit throughout demanding international schedules.

Hesson also pointed to the upcoming series against Australia as an important opportunity for younger players to prove themselves. He described Australia as a strong and challenging opponent, making the series an ideal platform for assessing temperament and skill under high-pressure conditions.

He urged fans to support the team and especially the younger players as they transition into international cricket. According to him, crowd support plays a significant role in boosting player confidence, particularly for those early in their careers.

The head coach concluded by acknowledging the passion of Pakistan’s cricket fans, describing them as among the most enthusiastic in the world. He said their expectations are high, but so is their support, and this energy can become a major driving force for the team’s success.

Overall, Hesson’s remarks reflect a strategic shift in Pakistan cricket toward long-term squad building rather than short-term selection changes. With a focus on middle-order stability, bowling effectiveness, fitness standards, and youth development, the coaching staff is aiming to create a well-rounded ODI unit capable of competing strongly in future global tournaments, including the World Cup.