# Mike Hesson likely to stay Pakistan Test coach for Sri Lanka series in Rawalpindi and Lahore in November

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/cricket/mike-hesson-likely-to-stay-pakistan-test-coach-for-sri-lanka-series-in)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 15 Oct 2026
Updated: 15 Oct 2026
Retrieved: 15 Oct 2026

> The white-ball coach took interim charge of the Test side before the third England Test. No PCB announcement yet, with the first Test starting on 9 November.

**Mike Hesson** is expected to stay on as Pakistan's **Test head coach** for the two-match home series against **Sri Lanka** in November, [ProPakistani reported](https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/15/mike-hesson-set-to-continue-as-pakistans-test-head-coach/) on Thursday, citing reports. The Pakistan Cricket Board has **not announced** a decision yet.

## How Hesson got the Test job

Hesson is Pakistan's permanent **white-ball** head coach. He was handed the Test side on an interim basis before the **third Test against England** in September, after the PCB removed head coach **Sarfaraz Ahmed** and bowling coach **Umar Gul** following defeats in the first two Tests. The board also changed seven players in the squad.

After that third Test, Hesson said he was interested in the permanent Test role but warned that improving the side's results would take time.

## Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series schedule

Both Tests count towards the **ICC World Test Championship 2025-27**.

| Match | Venue | Dates |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1st Test | Rawalpindi | 9 to 13 November |
| 2nd Test | Lahore | 17 to 21 November |

Test days in Pakistan usually start at 10am PKT. We will add the confirmed squads, timings and where to watch to our [Pakistan vs Sri Lanka page](/news/cricket/pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-2026-schedule-results) as the PCB announces them.

## Recent form under Hesson

- Pakistan beat Sri Lanka **2-1 in the three-match T20I series** this month, after which Hesson praised T20I captain **Sahibzada Farhan's** captaincy.
- He has backed young fast bowler **Razaullah**, who made his international debut in the third Test against England.

If the PCB confirms him, Hesson would be in charge of both formats for the home season, which gives some continuity after a summer in which Pakistan's Test set-up changed twice.

## Planning to go to the ground?

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Gaddafi Stadium tickets usually go on sale through the PCB's ticketing partner a couple of weeks before a series. Check the PCB's official channels and avoid resellers on social media.

## Frequently asked questions

**When is the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series?**

The first Test is in Rawalpindi from 9 to 13 November and the second in Lahore from 17 to 21 November 2026.

## Sources

- Mike Hesson Set to Continue as Pakistan's Test Head Coach (ProPakistani): https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/15/mike-hesson-set-to-continue-as-pakistans-test-head-coach/

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