Pakistan’s cricket team faced severe backlash following their poor performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy, including a disappointing six-wicket loss to India. This has prompted the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to overhaul the team’s support staff, notably relieving interim head coach Aaqib Javed of his duties. The PCB is considering separate head coaches for red and white ball formats after failing to secure permanent appointments due to recent coaching resignations. With an upcoming tour to New Zealand, the PCB plans to prioritize hiring new coaches, potentially looking to former players due to a lack of options among foreign candidates.
Pakistan faced a six-wicket defeat against India in the Champions Trophy 2025 match.© AFP
The poor performance in the Champions Trophy, particularly the humiliating loss to India, has significantly impacted the Pakistan team. Sources from the cricket Board indicate that there will be a revamp of the support staff, including former fast bowler Aaqib Javed. On Sunday, Pakistan lost to its arch-rival India by six wickets in Dubai, following a 60-run loss to New Zealand in the tournament’s opening match in Karachi on February 19.
An informed source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed that Aaqib will be relieved of his duties as interim head coach post-Champions Trophy.
“There is understandable backlash regarding the team’s performance in the CT. While the Board hasn’t yet decided on whether to appoint separate head coaches for red and white-ball formats, it is clear that the current support staff will undergo significant changes after the disappointing showing in the Champions Trophy,” the source mentioned to PTI.
“However, given the Board’s history of frequent coaching and selection changes since last year, finding suitable candidates for these roles will be challenging,” he added.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi appointed Aaqib as interim head coach for the white-ball team late last year following Gary Kirsten’s resignation. He was subsequently tasked with also serving as interim red-ball coach for the series in South Africa and the home series against the West Indies after Jason Gillispie’s departure.
With Pakistan scheduled to tour New Zealand from March 16 to April 5 for five T20 Internationals and three ODIs, the Board plans to finalize a new permanent coach or coaches.
The source indicated that preparations for the Champions Trophy had hindered the PCB’s ability to focus on securing new permanent coaches, but this will now become a priority.
“Given the recent resignations of Kirsten and Gillispie, the PCB may not have many options when it comes to securing foreign coaches, so they are likely to consider hiring former players for the roles,” the source stated.
Once Pakistan concludes its campaign in the CT, Naqvi will consult with the Board of Governors on the future of the national selection committee.
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