The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a bold move by appointing former fast bowler Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. His tenure will stretch all the way to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, giving the former pacer a chance to leave his mark on one of cricket’s most competitive tournaments.
For Aaqib, this isn’t uncharted territory. His coaching resume is impressive, and his love for the game is evident in the success stories he’s been a part of. But will this seasoned campaigner bring the spark Pakistan needs?
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Aaqib Javed’s Coaching Experience
Aaqib Javed is no stranger to Pakistan cricket. Fans remember him not just for his fiery bowling spells but also for his contributions as a coach. He was part of the coaching setup when Pakistan clinched the ICC T20 World Cup in 2009—a memory etched in every fan’s heart.
But his achievements don’t stop there. He played a vital role in leading the Pakistan U-19 side to a World Cup win in 2004. And let’s not forget his time with the UAE team, where he helped them earn ODI status and qualify for the ICC World Cup 2015.
Earlier this year, he also worked with the Sri Lanka men’s team as their bowling coach. This extensive coaching background gives Aaqib a unique edge. He knows how to handle pressure, develop young talent, and build a winning team—a combination Pakistan desperately needs heading into the Champions Trophy.
While Aaqib’s role is labeled “interim,” it’s far from a stopgap measure. His responsibilities don’t just end with coaching the team. He’ll also continue serving as a senior member of the National Selection Committee, giving him significant influence over team dynamics.
In the meantime, the PCB will be searching for a permanent white-ball head coach, aiming to finalize the appointment post-Champions Trophy. This leaves Aaqib in an interesting position. If he can deliver results, who’s to say he won’t be the front-runner for the permanent role?
The Road Ahead
Pakistan’s schedule is packed, and Aaqib has no time to ease into his new role. The team is gearing up for a busy winter, with white-ball series against Zimbabwe and South Africa in November and December.
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Then comes the big test—a triangular series involving New Zealand and South Africa right before the Champions Trophy.
And let’s not forget that Aaqib’s journey won’t be a walk in the park. He inherits a team with unresolved questions. The resignation of Gary Kirsten left a void in the white-ball coaching department. Meanwhile, Jason Gillespie’s role as the red-ball coach is under scrutiny due to strained relations with the PCB.
As Aaqib steps in, he’ll have to navigate these complexities while focusing on the bigger picture—helping Pakistan dominate in the Champions Trophy and beyond.
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