Former Pakistan cricketer Rashid Latif has labelled white-ball head coach Mike Hesson an ‘Indian agent’ in remarks circulated on social media. Latif’s criticism centres on Hesson’s prior employment in the Indian Premier League and questions the coach’s commitment to Pakistan’s national team.
Latif implied that Hesson’s lengthy tenure as Director of Cricket Operations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru from 2019 to 2023 compromised his loyalty to Pakistan cricket. Hesson took interim charge of the Test side following the mid-tour sacking of Sarfaraz Ahmed and removal of seven players during the England series. Hesson’s appointment came after he managed Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League.
“Mike Hesson, for me, security concerns are a different thing, but the loyalty factor is very important for a foreigner coach. When I talk about Bob Woolmer, I know he was loyal. He had such loyalty,” he said, speaking at length.
“Then if I talk about Geoff Lawson as a person, as a player, he was professional. He stayed in Lahore. He had loyalty. All the others who have come, please help me remember; all of them were foreigners who became Pakistani coaches. They all did their work with heart. I am not putting the blame on anyone, but the coach who has come after doing IPL, there will always be doubt about him,” he added.
Concerns over external influence and agents
Latif said that the loyalty factor is very important and someone who wants to damage Pakistan cricket from the inside might hire such coaches.
“Loyalty factor is very important, and it remains doubtful. I am not saying someone is not loyal; he might be, of course he might, but it’s better if these things are checked. Check the history. The connection would be there,” he said.
“So the damage that we couldn’t do, maybe someone will who can damage you, no matter which coach comes from abroad. But one who is directly linked with IPL, from people there, who might want to use him – that’s how agents are formed,” he added.
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Latif’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism from cricket commentators and fans. Political commentator Kusha Mehra accused Latif of dressing a serious allegation in deniable language, tweeting on September 10, 2026. The criticism adds to off-field scrutiny faced by the Pakistan Cricket Board and coaching staff. This is not the first time Latif has targeted Hesson; he previously accused the coach of engineering Mohammad Rizwan’s removal as ODI captain over alleged religious and political motives.
Pakistan is going through a wretched time, having lost the first two Tests against England and getting bowled out for 133 on Day 1 of the final Test in Birmingham on Wednesday, September 9. England have taken a 23-run lead already with six wickets remaining.
