Former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has generated significant controversy after labelling the national team's white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, an 'Indian agent' in a video that has circulated widely on social media. The unsubstantiated remarks have drawn widespread criticism from cricket pundits and fans, adding to the off-field scrutiny regularly faced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its coaching staff. UK: Anti-Migrant Protesters Mistake Pakistan U-19 Cricket Team for Asylum Seekers Outside Hotel.
Rashid Latif's Bizarre Claim
This is a former Pakistani test cricketer (Rashid Latif) calling Mike Hesson an Indian Agent indirectly via an unintelligent word salad. He is such a coward that he uses Dr Nauman Niaz to wiggle out by saying we have no evidence, we're just thinking out loud while he spews his… pic.twitter.com/1X2pGqjSjY
— कुशल मेहरा (@kushal_mehra) September 10, 2026
In the widely shared video clip, Latif taking on Caught Behind YT channel, is seen fiercely criticising the current state of Pakistan's limited-overs setup. During his critique of the team's tactical direction, Latif targeted Hesson directly, baselessly claiming that the New Zealander's decisions were influenced by his past associations with Indian Premier League (IPL).
Latif referred to Hesson as an 'Indian agent,' implying that the coach's previous lengthy tenure in the IPL had compromised his commitment to the Pakistan national team. Latif offered no evidence to support these claims, framing his argument entirely around Hesson's prior employment in neighbouring India.
Context of Mike Hesson's Coaching Career
Mike Hesson possesses one of the most extensive coaching CVs in international franchise cricket. Before taking up his role within the Pakistan white-ball setup, he served as the Director of Cricket Operations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL from 2019 to 2023. He also recently managed Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which ultimately paved the way for his appointment with the national side. Babar Azam Wicket Video: Watch Josh Tongue Rattle Pakistan Captain's Stumps in PAK vs ENG 3rd Test 2026.
Cross-border coaching stints are standard practice in the modern professional game, with elite coaches routinely moving between various international leagues and national boards. However, the intense geopolitical and sporting rivalry between India and Pakistan frequently leads to heightened scrutiny from former players and local media.
The PCB has yet to issue an official response to the viral video. Meanwhile, Hesson remains focused on his duties with the Pakistan Test team in the ongoing PAK vs ENG 3rd Test 2026 in Birmingham.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2026 12:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
