The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing for a major overhaul of its coaching staff following the team’s disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy, particularly the crushing six-wicket loss to India in Dubai. According to Business Standard, a PCB source stated that interim head coach Aaqib Javed is set to be relieved of his duties.
Pakistan’s struggles in the tournament began with a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the opener on February 19 in Karachi, followed by the demoralizing loss to India. The backlash from these defeats has intensified pressure on the team and its support staff, prompting the PCB to take decisive action.
With an upcoming tour of New Zealand from March 16 to April 5, which includes five T20 Internationals and three ODIs, the PCB has prioritized finalizing a new permanent coaching setup. The source revealed that while the board has not yet decided whether to appoint separate head coaches for red and white-ball formats, it is certain that the current coaching staff will be restructured.
“The Board hasn’t made a decision on having different coaches for different formats, but the current support staff will definitely be overhauled after the poor showing in the Champions Trophy,” the source told PTI.
Aaqib Javed was appointed interim head coach of the white-ball team late last year after Gary Kirsten resigned. He was later asked to take charge of the red-ball team as well, following the departure of Australian coach Jason Gillespie. However, with Pakistan’s performance underwhelming in major competitions, the PCB is now looking for long-term solutions.
The source also highlighted the challenges in recruiting top-tier foreign coaches after Kirsten and Gillespie’s abrupt resignations. “Given the circumstances, PCB will likely turn to former players for these positions rather than foreign candidates,” the source explained.
Additionally, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to consult with the Board of Governors after the conclusion of Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign to determine the future of the national selection committee.
With Pakistan cricket at a crossroads, the upcoming changes in the coaching and selection setup will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future direction.
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