LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday the appointment of Aqib Javed, former fast bowler and current member of the National Selection Committee, as the interim head coach for Pakistan’s men’s white-ball cricket team.
Javed will take on the role until the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. While fulfilling his duties as interim coach, Javed will continue his involvement with the selection committee and take on additional responsibilities after the completion of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is scheduled for February 19 to March 9.
The decision follows the resignation of Gary Kirsten, who previously held the white-ball head coach position. Jason Gillespie, who was appointed as the red-ball coach, led Pakistan during their recent tour of Australia and will resume his duties for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa.
In the interim, the PCB will begin the search for a permanent white-ball head coach, aiming to make an appointment by the time the Champions Trophy concludes. The men’s team will be busy with several international fixtures, including a tour to Zimbabwe for three ODIs and three T20Is from November 24 to December 5, and a series against South Africa from December 10 to 22. Additionally, an ODI triangular series with New Zealand and South Africa is scheduled to take place in Pakistan from February 8-14, 2025.
The PCB had previously refuted media reports suggesting that Javed would take over the role of head coach for all formats. The board clarified that Gillespie would continue to coach the team for their red-ball fixtures, including the upcoming series against South Africa.
