Aaqib Javed’s head coach contract will not be extended, as per reports

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to part ways with interim head coach Aaqib Javed following the team’s winless campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, according to reports.

“Aaqib Javed will not get an extension in his role. A new coach will be appointed for the New Zealand tour,” sources within the PCB revealed.

Pakistan failed to secure a single victory in the tournament, with their final group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi abandoned due to rain. The team’s campaign, led by Mohammad Rizwan, was marked by defeats, including a six-wicket loss to India, their fiercest rivals.

Javed, a former fast bowler, took charge in November last year following the resignation of Gary Kirsten. However, the early exit from the first global tournament hosted in Pakistan since 1996 has led to scrutiny from fans and officials alike.

“The prime minister will personally take notice, and we will also ask him to raise these (cricket-related) issues in the cabinet as well as in parliament,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s aide on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah said.

Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, where they are scheduled to play five T20Is and three ODIs from March 16 to April 5.

Sources indicate that some senior players are contemplating withdrawing from the series to avoid potential exclusion due to poor performances. Among those reportedly at risk are Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Babar Azam.