Aaqib Javed says a CLEAR NO to Pakistan Head Coach position

Aaqib Javed has expressed his desire to become Pakistan’s white-ball head coach after ensuring Gary Kirsten’s ouster. Aaqib had once criticized Misbah-ul-Haq’s dual role as the Pakistan selector and head coach, but he is now eager to follow the same path.

Aaqib Javed is currently serving as the national selector, and after Gary Kirsten’s resignation as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, he has reportedly expressed his eagerness to guide Pakistan's emerging talents. He is eyeing a significant role in the team after Kirsten’s exit.

Aqib Javed set for High-Performance role amid coaching aspirations

Now, it is being said that Aqib Javed isn’t interested in becoming a Pakistan coach, but he wants to mentor new players, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might appoint him as the Director of High Performance in the coming days.

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A senior Pakistani journalist, Saleem Khaliq, posted on his X handle in Urdu, which translates as “Aqib Javed is not interested in becoming a coach. In the past, when Misbah-ul-Haq took on the dual responsibility of selector and coach, Aqib was among his biggest critics. However, he now wishes to guide new players, and the PCB may assign him the role of Director of High Performance in the coming days.”

عاقب جاوید کو کوچ بننے میں ولچسپی نہیں ہے، ماضی میں جب مصباح الحق نے سلیکٹر اور کوچ کی دہری ذمہ داری سنبھالی تھی تب عاقب ان کے بڑے ناقدین میں شامل تھے،وہ نئے کھلاڑیوں کی رہنمائی کرنا چاہتے ہیں، پی سی بی آئندہ چند روز میں انھیں ڈائریکٹر ہائی پرفارمنس کی ذمہ داری سونپ سکتا ہے

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) October 29, 2024

Earlier, a PTI report hinted that senior selector Aqib Javed and former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq are both being considered as potential replacements for Gary Kirsten as the white-ball head coach. The insider claimed, “One option is to let assistant coach Azhar Mahmood continue as interim head coach, but Aaqib or Saqlain could also land the job.”

Meanwhile, the PCB has refrained from making any official statements on Gary Kirsten’s sudden resignation, while the former South African cricketer has also kept quiet about the reasons behind his surprising decision to step down as the white-ball head coach.

PCB not happy with Gary Kirsten over his involvement with Pakistan's white-ball teams

However, it is being said that a growing tension between Kirsten and the PCB over his involvement with Pakistan's white-ball teams and his coaching approach led to his resignation. Kirsten, who joined on a two-year contract with high expectations for transforming Pakistan’s white-ball cricket, reportedly faced criticism for his limited presence in Pakistan.

Sources claimed that Kirsten stayed in Pakistan for a very limited time, with his on-ground involvement well below the contractually allowed 30 days of vacation. His absence from key white-ball camps, including summer sessions with the Shaheens and most of the Champions Cup, left the PCB furious at him.

The board expressed dissatisfaction with Kirsten's prolonged absence from the team. Further intensifying the rift, Kirsten’s preference for foreign coaching staff did not sit well with the PCB’s goals, especially after the board withdrew selection powers from the coaches. These things reportedly contributed to the strained relations, leading to his departure from the role.

Saqlain Mushtaq likely to replace Gary Kirsten as Pakistan coach

With Kirsten’s exit, the PCB now faces the task of identifying a new coach who aligns more closely with their vision for Pakistan's cricket. Since Aqib Javed has reportedly denied taking the role, Saqlain Mushtaq emerged as the frontrunner to become Pakistan’s white-ball head coach.