PCB appoints Aaqib Javed as interim white-ball head coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former fast bowler Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team until the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Aaqib, who has been serving as a senior member of the National Selection Committee, will maintain his role while taking on additional responsibilities after the eight-team tournament. The PCB also announced plans to begin the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach, with the appointment expected by the end of the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9.

The white-ball coaching vacancy arose following Gary Kirsten's resignation. During Pakistan's recent tour of Australia, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie temporarily led the side and is set to return for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa.

Pakistan’s immediate schedule includes three ODIs and three T20Is against Zimbabwe (November 24 – December 5) and a white-ball series in South Africa (December 10-22). Ahead of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa in a triangular ODI series from February 8-14.