Mike Hesson confirms plans to send selected cricketers to the United States for specialized power-hitting development and fitness improvement

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is exploring the possibility of sending a group of cricketers to the United States as part of a specialized development program aimed at improving power-hitting abilities and exposing players to modern training methods. While the arrangements are still being finalized and the list of players has yet to be confirmed, Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has revealed that the initiative is actively being considered.

Speaking about the proposal, Hesson said the program is designed to provide players with access to advanced power-hitting expertise available in the USA. The initiative is also expected to benefit players recovering from long-term injuries by allowing them to train in a fresh environment for an extended period.

According to Hesson, the objective goes beyond physical conditioning. The PCB wants players to gain exposure to different coaching philosophies, innovative training techniques, and a unique learning experience that could contribute to their long-term development. Spending several months in a new environment is expected to help players broaden their skills and gain fresh perspectives on modern cricket.

The proposed move aligns with PCB’s broader efforts to improve fitness standards and sports science practices within Pakistan cricket. Earlier this year, the board appointed UK-based physiotherapist Dr. Javed Mughal as Director of Sports and Exercise Medicine. Since joining, Mughal has emphasized that fitness is a non-negotiable aspect of professional sport and has introduced advanced testing and screening systems for players across different levels.

Hesson highlighted the collaboration between the coaching staff, sports science department, and the National Cricket Academy (NCA), noting that the USA program is part of a wider strategy to modernize player development. He stressed that the initiative is not solely focused on strength and conditioning but also on enhancing technical skills and overall athletic performance.

One of the players reportedly under consideration for the program is promising fast bowler Ali Raza. The 18-year-old is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s most exciting white-ball prospects. Raza gained recognition after playing a key role in Pakistan’s Under-19 Asia Cup triumph and later impressed cricket fans with a hat-trick for Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Despite his immense talent, Pakistan’s management is keen to carefully manage his workload and improve his physical resilience before exposing him to the demands of international cricket. Hesson explained that while fast-bowling injuries are common worldwide, the focus is on helping Ali Raza build the strength and endurance required to maintain his pace across multiple spells and perform consistently under pressure.

The PCB believes that providing young talents with international training opportunities can accelerate their growth and better prepare them for elite-level cricket. Hesson welcomed the proactive approach, stating that exploring overseas development programs demonstrates a willingness to embrace new ideas rather than limiting players to traditional pathways.

If implemented, the USA training initiative could become an important step in Pakistan cricket’s efforts to develop more explosive batters, improve player fitness, and create a modern high-performance culture capable of competing with the world’s best teams.