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In a significant shakeup, Jason Gillespie is set to be removed as Pakistan’s head coach, with Aaqib Javed taking over the role across all formats. This decision continues a period of rapid turnover within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and reflects their pursuit of fresh leadership ahead of a busy international schedule.
According to reports, the PCB is likely to announce the decision as early as Monday, coinciding with the final T20I of Pakistan’s tour of Australia. Gillespie, who currently serves as the Test coach and interim white-ball coach, is expected to part ways with the team after this match.
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Why the Change?
The decision comes after Gillespie reportedly declined an offer to take on additional responsibilities as an all-format coach without a corresponding increase in compensation. The PCB has also cited dissatisfaction with the amount of time Gillespie spent in Pakistan, although he maintains he fulfilled his contractual obligations and even worked additional tours without pay as a gesture of goodwill.
Initially, Gillespie’s tenure began with a home Test series loss to Bangladesh, but he turned things around with a historic 2-1 Test series victory over England—Pakistan’s first in nearly four years. Under his interim leadership in white-ball cricket, Pakistan also claimed a landmark ODI series win in Australia, their first in 22 years. Despite these achievements, Gillespie’s position now seems untenable.
Aaqib Javed’s Rapid Rise
The appointment of Aaqib Javed as head coach marks a meteoric rise within the PCB hierarchy. A long-time coach and director of cricket operations for the Lahore Qalandars, Aaqib’s PSL tenure included both title wins and last-place finishes. More recently, he served on Pakistan’s selection committee, earning recognition for his strategy of implementing spin-friendly wickets against England.
Aaqib also had a brief stint as Sri Lanka’s bowling coach, adding to his coaching credentials. Now, he faces his most significant challenge yet, taking charge of a Pakistan team in a hectic cricketing calendar, including the Champions Trophy in February 2025.
Upcoming Challenges
Pakistan’s schedule is packed:
- Zimbabwe Series: Six white-ball matches.
- South Africa Series: Six white-ball games and two Tests.
- West Indies Tests: A two-Test home series.
- Tri-Series: Featuring South Africa and New Zealand before the Champions Trophy.
Aaqib’s tenure, at least initially, is expected to run through the Champions Trophy, after which the PCB will evaluate his performance.
Turbulent Times for PCB Coaching Staff
This decision caps a year of upheaval for Pakistan’s coaching setup.
- Mickey Arthur and Grant Bradburn departed late last year.
- Gary Kirsten, appointed as white-ball coach, resigned without overseeing a single ODI.
- Now, Gillespie follows suit after a brief but eventful tenure.
The PCB’s search for stability continues, but Aaqib Javed’s appointment signals a commitment to homegrown leadership in guiding the national team through a critical period.
With a high-stakes calendar ahead, all eyes will now be on Aaqib to unite the team and deliver consistent results in all formats of the game.
