Aaqib Javed named interim head coach for Pakistan’s white-ball teams until ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named former fast bowler Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of the national white-ball teams, overseeing the ODI and T20I squads until the Champions Trophy, scheduled in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9 next year.

Previously, Gary Kirsten stepped down as the white-ball coach, with Jason Gillespie stepping in as interim coach for the ODI and T20I series in Australia. During his tenure with the senior men’s team, Aaqib Javed will also continue to serve as a senior member of the National Selection Committee.

Meanwhile, the PCB announced that it would begin the recruitment process for a permanent head coach for the Pakistan national team, with plans to finalize the appointment by the end of the Champions Trophy.

Earlier, reports suggested that Jason Gillespie was removed as head coach for all formats, but the PCB refuted these claims on Sunday, confirming that the former Australian fast bowler will remain in charge for Pakistan’s two-match Test series against South Africa, starting on December 26.

“PCB strongly refutes the story. As announced previously, Jason Gillespie will continue to coach the Pakistan side for the two red-ball matches against South Africa,” the PCB wrote in a statement.

Pakistan cricket has seen several changes in its coaching staff this year. Gary Kirsten joined the setup in April but resigned after Pakistan failed to progress beyond the group stage of the Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.

After their tour of Australia, Pakistan will visit Zimbabwe for a T20I and ODI series. Following that, they will face South Africa in both T20I and ODI series, before a Test series against the Proteas. Additionally, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for a triangular ODI series from February 8 to 14.