Aqib Javed was appointed as interim head coach in November 2024 following the resignation of Gary Kirsten. His tenure, however, has been marred by Pakistan’s poor performances, culminating in the Champions Trophy debacle.
Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aqib Javed, is set to be replaced ahead of the upcoming New Zealand tour, sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed on Friday. The decision comes in the wake of Pakistan’s disastrous campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where the team failed to secure a single win.
“Aqib Javed will not get an extension in his role. A new coach will be appointed for the New Zealand tour,” PCB insiders told reporters.
The PCB’s decision not to extend Javed’s role signals a broader shake-up within the team’s management and structure. A new head coach is expected to be announced soon, with the New Zealand tour, scheduled from March 16 to April 5, serving as the next major assignment for the team.
Pakistan’s performance in the Champions Trophy, the first global cricket tournament hosted in the country since 1996, has been nothing short of a disaster. The team, led by Mohammad Rizwan, ended their campaign winless, with their final group-stage match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi abandoned due to rain.
The tournament’s low point for Pakistan was their six-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India. The team’s early elimination has drawn widespread criticism, with many questioning the leadership, team selection, and overall strategy.
The team’s poor showing has not only angered fans but has also caught the attention of the country’s political leadership as well. Adding to the turmoil, reports have emerged that several senior players are considering stepping away from the New Zealand tour.