Lahore, November 18, 2024 – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced Aqib Javed, the former international fast bowler and national selector, as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s white-ball team. This decision comes as the team prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and a packed cricketing schedule.
Aqib Javed will assume his coaching role ahead of Pakistan’s white-ball series against Zimbabwe, scheduled from November 24 to December 5. During his tenure, Aqib will also retain his position on the National Selection Committee, showcasing the PCB’s confidence in his expertise and leadership.
Transition in Leadership
This appointment follows the resignation of Gary Kirsten, who stepped down due to reported tensions with the PCB over the reduction of coaching powers. Red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie temporarily handled the white-ball coaching duties during the team’s Australia tour. However, Gillespie publicly declined the full-time position, citing personal reasons and a desire to spend more time with family.
Aqib Javed’s extensive coaching experience, including his success with domestic teams and franchise cricket, makes him a strong candidate to lead Pakistan in white-ball formats. His leadership is expected to bring stability and fresh strategies to the team.
Key Assignments for Aqib Javed
The PCB’s immediate focus lies on Pakistan’s busy cricket calendar:
- Zimbabwe Series (November 24 – December 5): Three ODIs and three T20Is.
- South Africa Tour (December 10 – January 7): Three ODIs, three T20Is, and two Test matches.
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Hosting New Zealand and South Africa in a tri-series from February 8-14, followed by the marquee tournament from February 19 to March 9.
Pakistan’s Squads for Zimbabwe Tour
ODI Squad:
- Aamir Jamal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Abrar Ahmed
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Faisal Akram
- Haris Rauf
- Haseebullah (WK)
- Kamran Ghulam
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
- Shahnawaz Dahani
- Tayyab Tahir
T20I Squad:
- Ahmed Daniyal
- Arafat Minhas
- Haris Rauf
- Haseebullah (WK)
- Jahandad Khan
- Mohammad Abbas Afridi
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Muhammad Irfan Khan
- Omair bin Yousuf
- Qasim Akram
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Sufyan Moqim
- Tayyab Tahir
- Usman Khan
Aqib Javed: A Strategic Choice
Aqib Javed’s appointment aligns with the PCB’s vision of promoting local talent and leadership. The board’s shift away from foreign coaches follows challenging experiences and strained relations with international appointments, including Kirsten.
Aqib’s proven track record with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and domestic cricket bolsters his credentials as the ideal candidate to guide Pakistan’s white-ball team through an important phase.
The PCB is expected to finalize the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach by the end of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Until then, Aqib Javed is poised to lead Pakistan into a greener, more promising cricketing future.
With Aqib Javed at the helm, Pakistan’s white-ball team enters a transformative era, marked by a renewed focus on strategy, team unity, and performance. Fans and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the results of his leadership in the upcoming series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.