Aaqib Javed is set to be the new Pakistan head coach as he is expected to take coaching duties of all three formats.
Aaqib Javed is expected to be named the new head coach for Pakistan. He currently holds the role of the convener in the men’s selection committee.
The latest development will see current test coach Jason Gillespie relieved of his duties as the series of personnel turnover in the PCB continues. The official announcement of the appointment is expected to be made as quickly as today.
Interestingly, Javed was not the first choice for the role. The PCB tried talking Gillespie to hold on to the all-format role until the Champions Trophy. However, they were reluctant to reflect that in his contract. Naturally, Gillespie declined the offer.
Sources in the PCB claim the reason for letting Gillespie go was not contract-related. A lack of time in Pakistan was stated as the primary factor for the decision.
While Gillespie’s ouster has seen a rather tumultuous year for Pakistan’s coaching merry-go-round, Javed’s rise to the top job has been nothing short of meteoric. Just a few weeks ago, he was the head coach of Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. While he won them consecutive PSL titles, he has also had multiple last-place finishes.
He served a stint as Sri Lanka’s bowling coach earlier this year, but now begins his highest profile challenge. Pakistan have a choc-a-bloc cricket season until the Champions Trophy. Six white-ball internationals against Zimbabwe will be followed by as many in South Africa, with two Test matches to come after.