Hesson hits back at ‘fabrication’ reports as Pakistan seek reset for third Test

Birmingham, 4 September 2026: Pakistan’s stand-in Test coach Mike Hesson has strongly rejected reports surrounding the team’s mid-series overhaul, describing one claim as a “complete fabrication” and accusing sections of the media of “unacceptable journalism” ahead of the third and final Test against England.

The third Test between Pakistan and England is scheduled to take place at Edgbaston in Birmingham from Wednesday, 9 September.

Pakistan head into the final match of the series after two defeats and a major reshuffle involving players and coaching staff, with Hesson taking charge despite having had no role in selecting the original Test squad.

“I've never been involved in red ball cricket at all, so I'm not part of the selection panel. I'm part of the white ball selection panel,” Hesson said.

“So, when this side was selected for this tour, I had no involvement at all. So, when I took over, there were three players that had already left the squad.

“And then from there it was a matter of trying to find a balanced squad for us for the third Test.”

Hesson said his immediate priority had been to give Pakistan a bowling attack capable of competing in English conditions, while acknowledging the difficulty created by such significant changes during a series.

“So, it's a really difficult situation for everybody, for those coming in, those leaving,” he said.

“But our focus, as I said, had to turn very quickly to what are we going to do for the third Test.”

Hesson was particularly forceful when questioned about a media report suggesting two players had been confused during the selection process.

“I mean, that's just a complete fabrication,” he said. “I'm not sure who was allowed to print that. But that's completely unprofessional.”

Hesson said both players had been involved in recent National Cricket Academy camps and the one-day tournament in Multan, adding that their different bowling profiles made the claim difficult to understand.

“One is a bowling all-rounder, which is exactly what we need in terms of the balance. And the other one is a left-armer,” Hesson said.

“So how those two could get mixed up is a lie. And I don't know how people can get away with printing such things.”

He also dismissed reports concerning Salman Ali Agha and Pakistan’s planned Buckingham Palace engagement, saying the timeline did not support what had been reported.

“Look, I know there’s been a void in news, but people are just making up stories,” Hesson said.

“Salman Ali Agha, as I've said, the three players were released from the squad before I arrived, well before Buckingham Palace.

“They were sent a note at that time that these three players will not be attending Buckingham Palace. So, someone's just made something up.”

Hesson said the other players and staff who were due to attend had already been listed and there had been no subsequent changes.

“In terms of the other players, all of the rest of the players that were on the squad were already on the list. I was already on the list as the white ball head coach. So, there's been no changes to it.

“So, someone's just got two and two together and come up with nine. And that’s, for me, that's unacceptable journalism.”

On the players who had been released, Hesson reiterated that several of those decisions had been made before he became involved with the Test side.

“I came in and those three were already removed from the squad,” he said.

Asked whether he knew the reasons behind those decisions, Hesson replied: “No, I don't know the details of that. I've read what you guys have read. I've heard those things.”

He nevertheless offered strong backing for Salman, saying a short run of poor form did not change his assessment of the all-rounder.

“I think Salman Ali Agha has been one of the best players for the last couple of years,” Hesson said.

“He's had probably three poor tests. But he's a fine player and I think he's obviously disappointed to not be involved.

“But he's looking forward to getting back to domestic cricket and getting his confidence back, because I'm sure he will.”

Hesson said Pakistan must now rediscover an identity built around the characteristics traditionally associated with the country’s cricket.

“Pakistan's known for pace, they're known for unusual actions, they're known for mystery spin. We haven't really been able to present any of that,” he said.

“We've picked some young players who haven't had three to five years of experience, but they have a point of difference.”

Hesson said stability remained important but Pakistan also needed to be authentic in the way it approached Test cricket.

“I think there's been talk about having an identity as a Test team and I think that does come from stability, for sure, but it also comes from being authentic to the way that your team plays.

“And we have to get back to that.”

Despite the upheaval and disappointment following the opening two Tests, Hesson said morale within the reshaped squad remained positive.

“The morale is good,” he said.

“And the guys are probably more used to a little bit of chaos than I am. And there's no doubt they've been disappointed, incredibly disappointed.”