Islamabad United have appointed former New Zealand coach and Royal Challengers Bangalore director Mike Hesson as their head coach for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.
With the late Dean Jones serving as head coach, United was the PSL's most successful team at first, winning two trophies in the first three editions.
United have had multiple coaches since Dean Jones' death - Misbah-ul-Haq, Johan Botha, and most recently Azhar Mahmood. They are the only team that hasn't advanced to the final since 2018. It is believed that the two-time champions have been talking for a while, with United reportedly having Hesson as their top target.
"Mike is very strategic and analytical on his approach, has proven skills of creating new and modern ways of playing - something his NZ stint demonstrates - and is a great people-manager," United owner Ali Naqvi told ESPNcricinfo.
"These are all the attributes ISLU has focussed on as a team from season one. In some ways, he is a perfect fit. This is a big endorsement of the brand and quality of cricket played at PSL and how United is viewed by global cricket professionals."
In an official statement, Naqvi said he was "thrilled to bring in a globally accomplished and premier name like Hesson to Islamabad United. His rich history in coaching and his exceptional work with New Zealand and RCB make him the ideal choice to lead our team. Hesson's coaching philosophy aligns closely with the values and ambitions of Islamabad United, and we are confident that his expertise will take our team to new heights."
Hesson said he had heard plenty about the quality of the PSL and was excited to experience it for himself. "I am delighted to be a part of Islamabad United," Hesson said. "The professional, modern, and dimagh se (mindful) approach associated with the franchise resonates strongly with me. I am also impressed with United's strategy built around the principle of 4 Es - Excellence, Empowerment, Education and Environment. I look forward to working with the talented players and staff to build a successful team and deliver exciting cricket to the fans."
Hesson, 49, had a very successful six years as New Zealand's head coach after being named the team's coach in 2012.
Under Hesson, New Zealand advanced to their first World Cup final (2015), where they were defeated by Australia, and emerged as a formidable force at home.
Before they split up earlier this year, he was named director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2019 Indian Premier League.
The PSL 2024 season is slated to begin in February and run through the middle of March.