The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is back in the market, not for a player this time, but a permanent head coach. Yep, the board has officially opened up the position, posting a job ad on its website and kick-starting the hunt for someone who can bring stability to Pakistan cricket.
But why now? Let’s break it down.
Aaqib Javed’s Chapter Nears Its End
Aaqib Javed, who had stepped in as the interim head coach last year, is no longer in the running, by choice, apparently.
Initially brought in to handle white-ball duties after Gary Kirsten stepped down, Javed was later asked to take charge of all formats when Jason Gillespie also parted ways with the board.
He was expected to stay at least until the 2025 Champions Trophy, but that plan seems to have changed. The PCB gave him a short extension as the head coach for the recent New Zealand tour, but now, the board has decided not to carry on with him in that role.
Still, all might not be over for Aaqib Javed. Sources suggest he’s interested in becoming the Director of the High-Performance Centre, another key role that opened up after Nadeem Khan’s exit. The PCB has advertised for that position too.
What’s PCB Looking For?
Let’s talk about the job listing. According to the PCB’s criteria, they want someone with:
- Level III coaching qualification
- At least 10 years of experience coaching national or domestic teams
That’s a pretty high bar, especially considering the limited pool of former Pakistani cricketers who fit the bill. This shortage is reportedly nudging the board towards hiring a foreign coach, though this time, they may avoid chasing big-name personalities.
No Gary Kirstens. No Mickey Arthurs. Just someone who can do the job — consistently and calmly.
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