Aqib Javed appointed Pakistan white-ball coach till 2025 Champions Trophy; to serve as selector too

Former Pakistan fast bowler Aqib Javed has been appointed as Pakistan's interim white-ball coach until the 2025 Champions Trophy that runs until March 9. Aqib Javed was appointed as a selector ahead of Pakistan's Test series against England in October this year, a role he will continue to serve.

The 52-year-old had received criticism for leaving out Babar Azam for the second and third Tests against England. However, he, along with other selectors, was also praised after Pakistan won their first Test series at home since 2021.

The PCB released a statement announcing Javed's appointment that read:

"During this tenure, Aqib will continue to serve as a senior member of the men’s National Selection Committee, and will be assigned additional responsibilities following the conclusion of the eight-team tournament.

"Meanwhile, the PCB will initiate the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach, aiming to complete the appointment by the end of the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled from 19 February to 9 March."

The press release also mentioned that Jason Gillespie would continue as the red-ball head coach for the upcoming series against South Africa later this year.

"The white-ball coaching role had become vacant following the resignation of Gary Kirsten. Red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie had coached the side during the recent tour of Australia, who will now rejoin the side for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa," the statement mentioned.

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Aqib Javed's first assignment would be Pakistan's tour of Zimbabwe

Aqib Javed's first assignment as Pakistan's white-ball head coach side would be their upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, which consists of three ODIs and three T20Is. He will also be in charge of the ODI and T20I rubbers against South Africa that follow soon after.

He will then oversee the team in the Tri-Series between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. The country's cricket board will meanwhile continue their search for a permanent solution to the head coach conundrum.

Pakistan most recently won an ODI series in Australia 2-1 but lost the T20I series 3-0.