Famous IPL Coaches Who Also Coached The Pakistan National Team

IPL Coaches Who Mentored Pak Team: Following the first major match between India and Pakistan, cricket has gained new excitement in the Asia Cup 2025. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in Dubai. Yadav's undefeated 47 and powerful spin bowling helped the team defend a modest total of 127-9. Also, this was Pakistan's first game under coach Mike Hesson, who took over as head coach earlier this year. Fans pay close attention to Hesson's role as they observe how his coaching philosophy and IPL experience translate to pressure from around the world.

The Asia Cup, meanwhile, has always been about more than just cricket; it's about history, passion and intense rivalries. Coaches with experience in both the IPL and Pakistan offer a unique viewpoint in such a tense setting. They have had to balance the demands of big-stage management, media scrutiny and star player management.

Here, we will take a look at well-known coaches who have coached Pakistan in many formats and also led IPL teams. Their experiences demonstrate how coaching in franchise and international cricket frequently intersects and how accomplishments in one sport can influence one's strategy in another.

Mike Hesson

IPL coaches who also led the Pak National Team (Image: Instagram)

Mike Hesson led two teams during his time as an IPL coach. In 2018, Kings XI Punjab (now known as the Punjab Kings) hired him as their head coach for the first time. After his time there, he joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2019 and served as Director of Cricket Operations until 2023. Hesson was named head coach of Pakistan's white-ball teams (ODIs and T20 Internationals) in May 2025 after the Pakistan Cricket Board acknowledged his experience and tactical prowess.

Gary Kirsten

IPL coaches who also led the Pak National Team (Image: Instagram)

Gary Kirsten, who won the World Cup with the Indian cricket team in 2011, has also established himself in the Indian Premier League. For the 2019 season, he was the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's head coach. Kirsten was named head coach of Pakistan's national team in the white-ball format (ODIs and T20Is) in April 2024. Although his time there was short, though, as he resigned in late 2024 due to alleged power struggles on the board.

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Wasim Akram

IPL coaches who also led the Pak National Team (Image: Instagram)

Wasim Akram, the "Sultan of Swing" and renowned Pakistani fast bowler, has had a significant coaching role in the IPL. During the first few seasons of the league, he served as the mentor and bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Utilising his vast playing experience, he has regularly acted as a bowling consultant and mentor for the Pakistani national team on numerous tours and assignments, despite not holding a permanent head coaching position with them.

Azhar Mahmood

IPL coaches who also led the Pak National Team (Image: Instagram)

Azhar Mahmood, a former all-rounder of Pakistan, is now a well-known coach for his country. From 2016 to 2019, he was Pakistan's national cricket team's bowling coach. Apart from his national responsibilities, Mahmood participated in the Indian Premier League as a player for the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015 and Kings XI Punjab in 2012 and 2013. In June 2025, after serving in a number of capacities, he was named the temporary head coach of Pakistan's Test team.

Dav Whatmore

IPL coaches who also led the Pak National Team (Image: Instagram)

As the head coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders from 2010 to 2011, Dav Whatmore, an experienced and accomplished international coach, contributed his knowledge to the IPL. Then, from March 2012 to the beginning of 2014, he assumed the esteemed position of head coach for the Pakistani national team. Whatmore demonstrated his ability to guide and inspire a team to win a major championship during his tenure by leading Pakistan to a memorable victory in the 2012 Asia Cup.

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