Aaqib Javed to Continue As Pakistan's Interim Head Coach for New Zealand Tour During Transition

The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially announced that national selector and former fast bowler Aaqib Javed will remain with the team as interim head coach for the current white-ball tour of New Zealand. With precious little time intervening between the completion of the latest ICC Champions Trophy and the scheduled series against New Zealand, continuity of leadership seems to have prevailed in the board's decision-making. Although Aaqib continues to lead the team for this tour, the board has started the process of recruiting a permanent head coach in the lead-up to Pakistan's fresh cycle in the World Test Championship (WTC) from August.

PCB Seeks Permanent Head Coach

Even though Aaqib Javed has been given a temporary extension, the PCB is busy looking for a long-term solution for Pakistan's coaching system. The official line is that due process will be adhered to in appointing the new head coach, and a proper and well-planned decision will be made. The coaching position has been uncertain since last year when the PCB hired Jason Gillispie and Gary Kirsten as red-ball and white-ball coaches, respectively. Both the coaches resigned within six to eight months of their hiring following reported differences with the PCB.

Aaqib Javed's Recent Coaching Experience

Aaqib Javed, who started as a senior selector, replaced Gillispie and Kirsten after their untimely resignations and became the interim head coach. He initially led the white-ball team and later was in charge of the Test team during the South Africa series and the West Indies home series. His reign went on despite a three-nation tour of Pakistan and the just-concluded ICC Champions Trophy. Unfortunately, Pakistan performed dismally in the Champions Trophy, failing to win even one match. Regardless of that, the PCB has chosen to retain Aaqib at the helm for the tour of New Zealand, thereby providing stability to the team.

Mohammad Yousuf is appointed as Batting Coach

In another major recruitment, Pakistan's former captain Mohammad Yousuf has been hired as the batting coach. His long background as a batsman and earlier stints of coaching the national team are likely to fortify Pakistan's batting lineup. As Pakistan seeks to enhance their overall performance, Yousuf's experience may play a pivotal role in improving the team's crease approach.

New Leadership for Pakistan's T20 Squad

Pakistan's T20I team has also experienced leadership transition as the side gets ready for high-profile tournaments ahead. Salman Ali Agha has been named the new T20I captain, and Shadab Khan will be his vice-captain. The move was made with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 and ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025 in view. The PCB underscored the need for stability at the leadership level as the team shapes up for these marquee tournaments.

Salman Ali Agha is familiar with leading Pakistan, having led the team in a T20I series against Zimbabwe, which Pakistan won 2-1. The board thinks his experience and tactical thinking will be important as Pakistan tries to solidify its position in the T20 format.

Pakistan's Packed Schedule Ahead of the T20 World Cup

As part of their preparation for the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will host a series of T20I matches in preparation for the tournament. The squad will play a minimum of five T20Is at the Asia Cup 2025. They will also have home series of three T20Is against the West Indies (July away), Afghanistan (August at home), Ireland (September at home), South Africa (September/October at home), Sri Lanka (November at home), and Australia (January 2026 at home). All these matches will be important practice games before the international tournament.

Mohammad Rizwan Holds Onto ODI Captaincy

Though there have been alterations to the T20 captaincy, Mohammad Rizwan remains Pakistan's ODI skipper. His leadership will be crucial when Pakistan starts preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The PCB remains optimistic about Rizwan being able to captain the team as they move towards the highly sought-after 50-over tournament.

Injury Issues for Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub

Pakistan will miss two of its most important openers, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, for the New Zealand tour as they are injured. Fakhar got a left lower intercostal muscle sprain while playing Pakistan's first match in the Champions Trophy against New Zealand, PCB's medical team has said. Saim Ayub is recovering from a right ankle fracture, which he suffered during the Cape Town Test against South Africa in January.

Though they won't be taking part in the New Zealand trip, both will be back at full fitness when the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 gets under way in Rawalpindi on April 11.

Conclusion

As the Pakistan cricket establishment navigates this period of transition, the PCB is focusing on stability while scouring for durable leadership solutions. Aaqib Javed's ongoing position as interim head coach gives the team a sense of continuity throughout the New Zealand tour. With new captaincy selections, a veteran batting coach in Mohammad Yousuf, and a busy schedule up to the T20 World Cup, Pakistan is laying the foundation for a solid future. But the search for a permanent head coach is still a pressing assignment for the PCB as the national side prepares for key international matches in the next few months.