Last Updated on 7 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has turned up the heat in the 2025 Asia Cup, claiming that Mohammad Nawaz is the best spinner in the world right now.

Hesson named Nawaz alongside Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem as his key spinning options for the tournament. He said that over the past six months, Nawaz has been ranked that way, which raises eyebrows, because the latest official rankings don’t place him near the top tier.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson heaps praise on Mohammad Nawaz

“I guess the beauty of our side is we’ve got five spinners. We’ve got Mohammad Nawaz, who’s the best spin bowler in the world at the moment, and he’s been ranked that way over the last six months since he’s come back on the side,” said Hesson in a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s clash with Oman, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

“And obviously, we have Abrar and Sufiyan. Saim Ayub is now in the top 10 all-rounders in the world. And Salman Ali Agha has hardly bowled, and he’s also the Test spinner for Pakistan. So, you know, we’ve got a lot of spin bowling options, if we think conditions suit that.”

In contrast, Kuldeep Yadav is ranked lower and Varun’s performance curve is still steep. Nawaz has played a greater number of T20Is lately, with more consistent spells, though he hasn’t always grabbed the limelight. Hesson emphasised Pakistan is well stocked in spin, “We have five spinners. If conditions suit spin, we’re ready,” he said.

For India, the response will come via the pitch and the match. Kuldeep and Varun will need to back up their reputations with wickets and clutch spells. The statement also shifts the narrative somewhat. Once, spin was the domain where India claimed mastery. Pakistan’s spin depth is being framed not as support, but as a strength to match India head-on.

“We’ve got Mohammad Nawaz, who’s the best spin bowler in the world at the moment, and he’s been ranked that way over the last six months since he’s come back on the side”

Pakistan coach mike hesson

What remains to be seen is how Nawaz performs when the pressure peaks. Ranking shifts, matchups, and pitch conditions all will play a role. But with Hesson’s backing, the expectations are solid.

India and Pakistan will face off on the cricket field on September 14 in Dubai amid heightened tensions between the two countries of late.