Hesson Slams Mirpur Pitch After Pakistan T20 Defeat

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson criticized the Mirpur pitch after his team was bowled out for 110 in the first T20I against Bangladesh, calling it 'unacceptable' and below international standards. Hesson argued that such surfaces hinder preparation for tournaments like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup and do not help player development, though he accepted Pakistan's poor batting played a role in their collapse. Fakhar Zaman was the top scorer for Pakistan, while Bangladesh chased down the target with ease, led by Parvez Hossain Emon’s unbeaten 56. Bangladeshi players disagreed with Hesson's criticisms, claiming they adapted better and could have scored more. Hesson pointed out that domestic league pitches in Bangladesh are of higher quality and warned that home-favoring wickets may not help Bangladesh succeed internationally. The controversy has renewed debate over pitch standards and their impact on global cricket.