Aaqib Javed’s tenure as Pakistan’s interim head coach is set to conclude on February 27, coinciding with Pakistan’s last group-stage match against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy. The PCB has decided not to renew his contract and is now searching for a new head coach to accompany the team on their upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand, scheduled from March 16 to April 5.
Initially appointed as interim head coach in October last year, Aaqib also served on the selection committee and took on the role of white-ball coach following Gary Kirsten’s departure. In December, Jason Gillespie, Pakistan’s Test coach, also stepped down, leading Aaqib to assume that responsibility as well.
However, the PCB is dissatisfied with Pakistan’s performance in the Champions Trophy. As hosts and defending champions, expectations were high, especially with the tournament being the first ICC event in Pakistan since the 1996 ODI World Cup. Despite these advantages, the team suffered an early exit within the first week of the tournament.
“But, looking at the larger picture, which is the successful hosting of the Champions Trophy and to ensure it brings positive publicity for Pakistan cricket as a host nation, it has been decided to say nothing on the team’s performance for now. As it is, even the board leadership realises there is no excuse or defence that can be given for the team’s abject failure in the event,” a PCB source told PTI.
The board is now looking at potential candidates, with reports suggesting that a former Pakistani player may be named as the next head coach. Given the tight timeline, the PCB might opt for an interim coach from the National High-Performance Centre until a permanent appointment is made.
“Pakistan has to go to New Zealand for a white-ball series from 15th March, and Aaqib Javed’s contract as interim head coach will end on 27th February, when Pakistan plays its final group match against Bangladesh. So, definitely, the board will have to name a head coach for the NZ tour, but that appointment could also be of an interim nature, someone from the national high-performance centre since the PCB has not started the process of appointing a permanent head coach,” the source further added.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
