Former Pakistani fast bowler Aaqib Javed has been appointed as the interim head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball team until March 9, 2025. This appointment coincides with the end of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place in Pakistan. Javed will replace Jason Gillespie, who led the team to a recent ODI series victory against Australia before suffering a defeat in the T20 series.
In the past two years, Pakistan cricket has seen numerous changes in coaching staff, board leadership, team captains, and domestic competition formats, leading to a series of disappointing losses. Javed’s appointment comes after Gary Kirsten resigned as head coach following differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Despite rumors of Gillespie being removed, the PCB confirmed that he would remain as the red-ball head coach for the upcoming Test series in South Africa. Javed, who is also a member of the senior selection committee, will lead the team in upcoming series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The PCB is looking to appoint a permanent head coach after the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to be hosted in Pakistan. However, India’s refusal to send their squad to Pakistan due to security concerns has thrown the tournament into question. The PCB has rejected India’s proposal for a hybrid model and insists on hosting the entire tournament in Pakistan.
With Mohammad Rizwan as the current white-ball captain, Pakistan is gearing up for a busy schedule leading up to the Champions Trophy 2025, including hosting New Zealand and South Africa for an ODI triangular series in February. Javed’s first task as interim head coach will be the upcoming series in Zimbabwe followed by a tour of South Africa.
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