Aaqib Javed Set to Take Over as Pakistan’s White-Ball Head Coach
Former Pakistan pacer and current national selector Aaqib Javed is poised to be appointed as the permanent head coach for Pakistan’s white-ball formats. The appointment is expected to be finalized before the team’s upcoming tour of Zimbabwe for a series of ODIs and T20Is.
According to reliable sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Javed, who was initially hesitant to take on the coaching role, has been persuaded by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi to assume the responsibility. The Pakistan squad will depart for Harare directly from Australia after their final T20I on Monday, and the new head coach will join them in Zimbabwe.
Javed, who currently serves as the senior national selector, possesses extensive coaching experience. He has led the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and recently served as the bowling coach of Sri Lanka. He has also held the positions of bowling coach for Pakistan and head coach of the under-19 side in the past.
The PCB initially sought to appoint Australian Jason Gillespie, the Test side’s coach, as the white-ball head coach as well. However, Gillespie declined the offer to prioritize time with his family. He was subsequently asked to serve as the interim coach for the white-ball series in Australia after South Africa’s Gary Kirsten resigned before the tour.
After the Zimbabwe tour, Pakistan will travel to South Africa for a white-ball series and two Tests before returning home in January.
