PCB to announce Aqib Javed as new white-ball coach: Sources

LAHORE: According to local media sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)  is about to announce a replacement for Gary Kirsten, who served as head coach for white-ball formats.

As per the reports, former Pakistan fast bowler Aqib Javed is likely to be appointed to lead the white-ball team. This comes after it was noted that Aqib had been assigned the job of selector of one of the national teams showing that he is starting to wield more power in Pakistan cricket.

In red-ball cricket, Javed has had a vital role in the planning that saw Pakistan registering a 2-1 Test series win over England. Following this trend, and to put new ideas forward, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is eager to bring Aqib back as the head coach for white-ball cricket and to help change the outcome of the team’s performances in the limited formats.

Although Pakistan was able to defeat Australia in an ODI series 2-1, their first series win in Australia since 2002, the outlook for the team playing in T20 has been rapidly declining.

Aqib Javed’s appointment will provide the national side with the ability to turn things around, according to the PCB’s top management.

It is anticipated that his coming in will be a breath of fresh air in the approach taken to the team’s white-ball game strategy, which has been disappointing of late. With his playing background as well as coaching achievements, Aqib is best placed for the position.

With Gary’s early resignation from the position of white-ball Coach, he left behind a vacancy that Aqib Javed has been earmarked to fill. He was mostly acting as a ‘match-day strategist’ and not much else as the Selection Committee made all crucial calls regarding the squad and XI.

In the meantime, Pakistan’s red-ball ‘match-day strategist’ Jason Gillespie was in command of the white-ball team for its tour to Australia. It is expected that Aqib Javed will take up the new position from Pakistan.