‘Taking Money for Free?’: Kaif Tears into Hesson Over Pakistan’s Tactical Blunders Against India
Despite securing a spot in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a victory over Namibia, the Pakistan cricket team remains under intense scrutiny regarding their tactical framework. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has directed sharp criticism at Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson following the team’s group-stage loss to India, questioning the rationale behind key strategic decisions.
Kaif Questions Hesson’s IPL Experience Application
The primary point of contention involves the decision to bowl first against India. Kaif argued that the surface was visibly conducive to spin and likely to slow down as the match progressed, making a run chase significantly more difficult. He expressed surprise that Hesson, who holds extensive coaching experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and international circuits, failed to read the conditions accurately.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif did not mince words regarding the high-profile coach’s impact.
“Leave Salman Ali Agha, what is Hesson doing? Mike Hesson has coached in the IPL. He coaches everywhere. What is he telling them [Pakistan team], to field first against India? Free ke paise le raha hai kya bhai? (Are you taking money for free?),” Kaif said.
mismanagement of Spin Resources
Beyond the toss decision, the deployment of Pakistan’s bowlers drew technical criticism. Pakistan utilized a spin-heavy strategy, delivering 18 overs of spin during the Indian innings. However, the sequencing of these overs was identified as a major flaw.
- Powerplay Error: Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed was introduced inside the powerplay, where he was attacked by Indian batters, leading to his removal from the attack.
- Delayed Entry: Usman Tariq, known for his mystery spin and unique action, was held back until he was the seventh bowling option utilized.
Kaif emphasized that while captain Salman Ali Agha might lack World Cup experience, the head coach is responsible for guiding tactical nuance on slow decks.
“I can understand that it is the first World Cup for Agha… he can be in doubt. But does not Hesson know what he is supposed to do on that slow pitch? You brought Abrar into the power play, he got hit and then you dropped him,” Kaif analyzed. “It was you who took the wrong call; the spinner was supposed to come after the power play. There was so much build-up with Usman Tariq’s action… and you brought him on as the seventh bowler.”
Match Statistical Breakdown
The following data highlights the tactical breakdown during the India vs. Pakistan group match:
| Tactical Component | Decision Made | Outcome/Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| Toss Decision | Field First | Pitch slowed down; chase became difficult against Indian bowlers. |
| Opening Bowler | Salman Ali Agha (Spin) | Dismissed Abhishek Sharma for a duck (Success). |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowled in Powerplay | Expensive economy; removed from attack early. |
| Usman Tariq | 7th Bowler Used | Entry delayed too long to impact the middle overs effectively. |
| Spin Volume | 18 Overs Bowled | High volume but poor sequencing allowed India to recover. |
Road to the Final
Pakistan’s campaign has been volatile. They narrowly avoided an upset against the Netherlands in their opener before the heavy defeat to India. While the win against Namibia secured progression, the team faces a rigorous schedule in the Super 8s.
Pakistan is scheduled to face New Zealand, England, and Sri Lanka in the next round. The management will need to address these tactical inconsistencies to remain competitive against top-tier opposition. Visit the International Cricket Council (ICC) official site for the complete Super 8 schedule and standings.