Aaqib likely to become Pak coach

Initially reluctant, the former pacer has now agreed to the role


Saleem Khaliq November 18, 2024
Aaqib Javed emerged as the frontrunner due to his vast coaching experience. Photo: LAHORE QALANDARS /FILE

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KARACHI:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is likely to appoint national selector Aaqib Javed as the head coach of the national men's white-ball team, sources said on Sunday.

According to the details, the cricket board is considering Javed for the role, with the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe most likely be his first assignment as the Pakistan head coach.

Considering the white-ball team's packed scheduled – commencing with white-ball matches against Zimbabwe, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is from 24 November to December 5 – a decision in this regard is expected soon, sources further revealed.

Aaqib Javed, who is currently a part of PCB's selection committee, emerged as the frontrunner due to his vast coaching experience, bolstered by his successful stints with domestic teams and franchise cricket.

The development came in the wake of Gary Kirsten's untimely resignation from the role, just days before the team's departure to Australia.

As a result, the PCB roped in Jason Gillespie for the role on an interim basis for the ongoing Australia tour.

A few days after Gillespie's appointment as Pakistan's interim white-ball head coach, reports emerged that the PCB is considering to hand the former Australian pacer a full-time role.

Gillespie, however, rested the rumours by expressing his disinterest in assuming the role on full-time basis.

"I've only taken over white-ball format coaching on an interim basis. I am not keen on coaching permanently in the white ball format at the moment," Gillespie told Australian media in Melbourne.

"I did not apply for the full-time white-ball coaching.

"I love coaching, but I don't believe I can spend 11 months away from home. I also don't think I could mentally handle it," he stated, highlighting his need to spend ample time with his family.

The PCB had appointed Jason Gillespie as the head coach for the Pakistan men's team in white-ball formats for their upcoming tour of Australia. The decision came following the resignation of Gary Kirsten.

Gillespie, who has served as Pakistan's red-ball head coach, will now extend his duties to oversee the team's One-Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) series against Australia. The tour is set to commence on November 4, featuring a lineup of intense matches as both teams aim to build momentum ahead of the ICC World T20 scheduled next year.

This change comes alongside the announcement of Mohammad Rizwan as the new full-time captain for Pakistan's white-ball squads.

Yousuf quits

Pakistan cricket team's batting coach, Mohammad Yousuf, has resigned from his position and submitted his resignation to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

According to media reports, Yousuf has also stepped down from his role as the coach of the Under-19 cricket team.

It is expected that former cricketer Ghulam Ali will take over as the new coach for the Under-19 team.

Before becoming the batting coach, Mohammad Yousuf had also served as a member of the national selection committee.

Reports further suggested that former national team pacer Wahab Riaz, who was also a member of the selection committee, may be given another important role within the PCB. He could be assigned responsibility for overseeing the management of champions trophy events.

Wahab Riaz has previously held roles as both a selector and team manager, and during the last caretaker government, he served as the Minister for Sports in Punjab.

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