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Who Is Aaqib Javed? Pakistan’s New Head Coach Set To Replace Jason Gillespie

Jatin

Aaqib Javed has been appointed Pakistan's new head coach [Source: @CallMeSheri1/x.com]Aaqib Javed has been appointed Pakistan's new head coach [Source: @CallMeSheri1/x.com]

The winds of change keep blowing at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and it looks like former Aussie quick Jason Gillespie is next on the chopping block. Gillespie, who has been Pakistan’s Test coach and took on interim duties for the white-ball side after Gary Kirsten’s resignation, is about to be replaced.

Former Pakistan cricketer, Aaqib Javed, who has recently been appointed as the convenor of the men’s cricket selection committee, is now set to take the reins across all formats. Word is, an official announcement could come as early as Monday, right ahead of Pakistan’s last T20I in Australia, where they’re already down 2-0 in the series.

Who is Aaqib Javed? Pakistan’s New Head Coach

For fans who’ve followed cricket since the ‘90s, Aaqib Javed’s name brings back memories of thrilling India-Pakistan clashes. A right-arm pace bowler with a knack for swinging the ball both ways, he took down opponents with accuracy and quite a bit of style.

Notably, Aaqib was at his very best vs India as he snagged 54 wickets in 39 ODIs against them. His peak came in 1991 with an ODI hat-trick against India at just 19 years old. He still holds the record for being the youngest bowler to achieve an ODI hat-trick. Aaqib was also a part of Pakistan's 1992 World Cup-winning squad.


After calling time on his playing career, Aaqib dove right back into the game, this time as a coach. He’s coached everywhere, from Pakistan’s U-19 team, which he led to victory in the 2004 U-19 Cricket World Cup, to international stints, including with Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

His expertise with developing young talent and structuring teams caught the eye of cricket boards worldwide. But he’s perhaps best known for his long stint with Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. From 2016 to 2024, Aaqib worked as both head coach and director of cricket operations, overseeing highs and lows—back-to-back PSL titles, but also some frustrating seasons at the bottom.

Aaqib’s move from coaching the Qalandars to joining the PCB’s selection committee happened fast. Within weeks, he went from managing a PSL team to being named as Pakistan’s head coach. 

What Lies Ahead for Aaqib and Pakistan?

It’s not like the timing of Aaqib's appointment isn’t challenging. Pakistan’s cricket calendar is jam-packed, with white-ball and red-ball series against teams like Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the West Indies, plus the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Now with Aaqib at the helm, Pakistan cricket fans will be eager keen to see how he’ll leave his mark on the team. Known for his tactical mind, Aaqib has the task of pulling together a side that can withstand a busy schedule and maintain consistency. Whether he can bring the same success he’s had in the PSL to the Pakistan team is the big question on everyone’s mind.