Pakistan cricket has once again reshuffled its coaching lineup. On Monday, former fast bowler Aaqib Javed was named interim head coach for the white-ball team.
This decision comes amidst a turbulent period for the team, which has seen five coaches, three board heads, and three captains in the last two years, along with multiple changes in domestic cricket formats.
Javed steps in to replace Australian Jason Gillespie, who coached the team during their recent 3-0 loss against Australia in the Twenty20 series in Hobart. Despite the change, Gillespie will stay on as the red-ball head coach and lead the team for the two-Test series in South Africa next month. He had taken over from former South African cricketer Gary Kirsten, who resigned last month due to disagreements with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The PCB announced that Javed would serve as interim head coach until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The board also clarified rumors about Gillespie’s position, confirming he remains part of the coaching setup for Test matches.
Upcoming Challenges for Aaqib Javed
Javed, who is also part of Pakistan’s senior selection committee, faces immediate challenges as the team prepares for back-to-back tours. His first assignments include three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe (November 24 – December 5) and another series of white-ball matches in South Africa (December 10-22).
Looking ahead to 2025, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa in an ODI triangular series from February 8-14. The team will also gear up to host the ICC Champions Trophy, provided ongoing disputes with India are resolved. India has raised security concerns about playing in Pakistan and suggested holding their matches at a neutral venue. However, the PCB has rejected this proposal, insisting the tournament be held entirely in Pakistan.
A Crucial Period for Pakistan Cricket
The decision to appoint a permanent head coach has been deferred until after the Champions Trophy. With mounting pressure from recent defeats and organizational changes, the upcoming matches will be critical in shaping the future of Pakistan cricket.
Aaqib Javed’s leadership will be tested as the team navigates this challenging period, both on and off the field.
