The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the hiring of Aaqib Javed, a former international fast bowler, as interim head coach of the Pakistan men's cricket team till the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
On October 28, 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board accepted Gary Kirsten's resignation as head coach of the men's white-ball team. The Pakistan men's cricket team is currently on a white-ball tour of Australia, and Jason Gillespie, the red-ball coach, was named interim head coach when he resigned.
According to reports, Kirsten was dissatisfied with the central contracts list and squad selections.
Aaqib Javed, who played in 163 ODIs and 22 Test matches and claimed 236 international wickets, had a stellar career as a member of Pakistan's winning 1992 World Cup squad.
Javed then moved to coaching and helped the United Arab Emirates gain ODI and T20I status and also qualify for the 2015 ICC World Cup. Javed was the bowling coach for Pakistan's 2009 ICC T20 World Cup. He is currently the head coach of PSL team Lahore Qalandars.
Aaqib Javed is part of the PCB selection committee including former captain Azhar Ali, umpire Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, and Hassan Cheema.
During his tenure, Aaqib will continue to serve as a senior member of the men's National Selection Committee and will be given additional responsibilities once the eight-team tournament is completed.
“The PCB will initiate the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach, aiming to complete the appointment by the end of the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled from 19 February to 9 March,” the PCB statement stated.
The Pakistan men’s side is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe (24 November – 5 December) and as many white-ball matches in South Africa (10-22 December). In the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for an ODI triangular series from 8-14 February.
