Cricket Enthusiasts Await Aaqib Javed’s Appointment as Pakistan’s All-Format Coach
In a significant move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to replace Jason Gillespie as the national team’s head coach across all formats, with the experienced Aaqib Javed taking over the reins. The decision is expected to be officially announced as early as Monday, coinciding with Pakistan’s final white-ball game on their ongoing tour of Australia.
Aaqib, who was recently appointed as the convenor of the men’s cricket selection committee, has been elevated to the position of the all-format coach, a move that reflects the PCB’s ongoing efforts to revamp its coaching staff. The decision comes after the board’s initial attempt to retain Gillespie as the all-format coach until the end of the Champions Trophy next March, which the Australian declined.
“The PCB’s decision to part ways with Gillespie is primarily attributed to his perceived lack of time spent in Pakistan, a factor that has also been used to explain the recent resignation of Gary Kirsten, the previous white-ball coach.”
Gillespie, however, maintains that he has fulfilled his contractual obligations within the country, in addition to taking on the Shaheens tour of Darwin without any additional compensation.
For Aaqib, this appointment marks a rapid ascent within the PCB hierarchy. Until recently, he served as the long-term coach and director of cricket operations for the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, a tenure marked by both success and challenges. His expertise in implementing spin-friendly wickets against England during a recent series has also caught the attention of the PCB’s top brass.
As Pakistan prepares for a packed cricket season leading up to the Champions Trophy, Aaqib’s appointment will be crucial in providing stability and continuity to the national team. The team’s upcoming schedule includes:
- Six white-ball internationals against Zimbabwe
- Six similar matches in South Africa
- Two Test matches
- Hosting the West Indies for two Test matches
- Participating in a tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand before the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on February 19.
Aaqib’s experience and expertise will be put to the test as he takes on the responsibility of guiding Pakistan through this demanding period, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the team’s successful performance in the Champions Trophy.
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