Lahore, November 18, 2024 – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the appointment of former international fast bowler Aqib Javed as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team for white-ball formats. Aqib will hold this position until the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The PCB stated that Aqib Javed, who also serves as a senior member of the men’s National Selection Committee, will have additional responsibilities assigned following the tournament’s conclusion. His experience as a player and coach is expected to bring strategic insights as Pakistan prepares for major international competitions.
According to the PCB, the search for a permanent white-ball head coach will begin immediately. The board aims to finalize the appointment by the end of the ICC Champions Trophy, which will take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025.
The coaching position became vacant after Gary Kirsten’s resignation. During the interim period, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie temporarily led the team on their recent tour of Australia. With Aqib Javed’s appointment, Gillespie will now focus on red-ball cricket, including the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa.
The PCB outlined a busy calendar for the Pakistan men’s white-ball team. Before the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan will play three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe from November 24 to December 5, followed by another six-match series in South Africa from December 10 to 22.
In a preparatory effort, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for a triangular ODI series from February 8 to 14, 2025. The PCB has emphasized the importance of these matches as Pakistan fine-tunes its squad and strategies for the Champions Trophy.
The PCB praised Aqib Javed’s cricketing credentials, highlighting his tenure as a fast-bowling coach and mentor in domestic and international cricket. His understanding of modern white-ball strategies is expected to enhance the team’s performance in the lead-up to the prestigious ICC tournament.
With Aqib Javed at the helm, the PCB is optimistic about Pakistan’s potential to excel in upcoming international competitions, maintaining the nation’s competitive edge in white-ball cricket. This appointment aligns with the PCB’s vision of fostering leadership and achieving consistent success on the global stage.
