Aaqib Javed Archives

Aqib Javed backs senior players to steady Pakistan in New Zealand ODIs

NAPIER: Pakistan interim head coach Aqib Javed remained optimistic about Men in Green’s chances in the ODI series against New Zealand, starting on Saturday here at the McLean Park.

This will be Pakistan’s first ODI series after a dismal Champions Trophy 2025 performance.

Aqib remained positive about the outcome of the ODI series despite Green Shirts’ 4-1 defeat against New Zealand in the five T20Is.

He mentioned New Zealand’s favourable conditions as vital for Pakistani bowlers.

“The pitches here are similar to those in Australia and South Africa, where our fast bowlers dominated ”

The head coach welcomed senior players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan into the ODI setup, stating, “If we can restrict them under 200, our experienced batting lineup, with Babar [Azam] and Rizwan back in ODIs, should secure good results.”

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The 51-year-old highlighted Haris Rauf’s performance in the T20I series and asserted that he is the best option in these conditions.

“Even though we lost in the T20Is here, Haris proved why he’s the best option in these conditions, ” he remarked.

Aqib Javed stressed stability in the team after the addition of senior players while calling the ODI team settled.

“We carried four senior batters—Babar, Rizwan, Abdullah [Shafique], and Imam [Ul Haq]—because they provide stability. While we are making changes in T20s, our ODI setup is settled, ” he added.

Aqib Javed commented on Pakistan’s struggles during the Champions Trophy, emphasizing flat surfaces, but he remained hopeful about the team’s combination.

“We struggled on flat pitches in the Champions Trophy, but we have the right players for different conditions, ” he concluded.

Pakistan’s ODI squad against New Zealand: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Haris Rauf, Usman Khan.

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Aqib Javed confident of Pakistan’s comeback in must-win third T20I against New Zealand

Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aqib Javed, expressed optimism for a strong comeback ahead of the must-win third T20I against New Zealand, which is scheduled to be played on Friday in Auckland.

While speaking to the media, Aqib discussed the team’s combination and strategy for the crucial match, mentioning that their primary goal is to build a strong squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.

“The team is young, but we are here to win the series. Our performances are improving, and we will fight back in Auckland,” Javed stated.

He remained optimistic about a comeback in the third T20I of the series, noting that the team has enough potential to do well and win the series.

“Going through a rebuilding phase doesn’t mean we are not aiming to win. The Pakistan team has the full potential to make a comeback and win the series,” he asserted.

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The head coach admitted the challenge of playing in overseas conditions but underscored the importance of exposing young players to such environments for long-term success.

“Playing in South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia is not easy, but young players will gain confidence from it. This confidence will be valuable when playing in Asian conditions,” he added.

The 52-year-old highlighted the significance of having players like Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman on the team.

“The selection of players for the long term will be based on their performance within the team. The addition of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman is expected to further strengthen the squad,” he remarked.

While addressing a question regarding ace pacer Shaheen Afridi, Aqib Javed stated that conceding sixes in T20 cricket is not a big deal.

“A bowler conceding four sixes is not a big deal, but a fast bowler must keep improving. Shaheen Shah Afridi also needs to elevate his game.”

“If he wants to establish himself in international cricket, he must improve further,” he concluded.

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‘A big innings is coming’ Aqib Javed backs Babar Azam ahead of Champions Trophy

KARACHI: Pakistan’s interim head coach has backed star batter Babar Azam as an opener on Friday, despite his rough patch ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting next week.

Aqib, in a post-match press conference after New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the tri-nation series final, addressed the concerns regarding Babar’s elevation as an opener.

It is pertinent to mention here that Babar has been the mainstay for Pakistan for several years in the ODI format, scoring the bulk of runs.

His last One Day International century came against Nepal in the 2023 Asia Cup, while he has struggled in the recently concluded tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand.

The head coach was confident that the right-handed batter was due for a big innings, especially in an important match for us.

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“Babar has gotten good starts, but he needs to go deeper. He has an important innings due and I expect him to score in an important match for us,” said Aqib.

Aqib Javed also explained the rationale behind Star Batter’s promotion as an opener.

“The idea behind Babar’s promotion as an opener is that if you look at the away series against South Africa, he had to bat in the first over in all games.”

“Then Saim got injured and he had to open in Tests too. These pitches don’t have that kind of bounce and seam movement that could trouble the batters at the start. We wanted our best batter to make good use of the powerplay, that suits us more,” explained Aqib.

Aqib Javed described this squad as the best they have and expressed confidence in winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“These bunch of players can do well in the upcoming tournament. You can score 350 if this team bats normally and goes down to number eight,” he said.

He further stated that this team has the capability to defeat any opposition.

“This lineup has everything it needs to beat any team,” remarked Pakistan’s head coach.

READ: Pakistan Shaheens thrash Afghanistan in Champions Trophy warm-up

Aqib Javed believes ‘Pakistan can repeat’ Champions Trophy 2017 triumph

Aqib Javed, the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, believes that the national team can replicate their success from the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and successfully defend the title in the upcoming 2025 edition.

Pakistan came from behind to win the Champions Trophy 2017, under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed, after defeating arch-rivals India in the final.

In a recent episode of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Podcast, Aqib passionately articulated his belief in Pakistan’s ability to defend their title on home soil.

He emphasized the significance of the upcoming tri-nation series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, highlighting how this series will serve as crucial preparation for the team as they gear up for the highly anticipated mega-event.

“Tri-nation [series] before the Champions Trophy is a good opportunity and it is against major teams,” said Aqib. “So, it will help clear a couple of doubts in the decision-making process.”

“Champions Trophy in Pakistan, in front of our fans, we are very excited and I think, Pakistan can repeat that. We are still the defending champions,” he added.

The former fast bowler elaborated on his vision to broaden the selection of players, aiming to implement a rotational policy.

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“The way cricket is evolving, we will have to increase our players’ pool. For that, you need to take brave decisions sometimes,” said Aqib Javed.

“You can’t carry a player for 12 months. So, we have to develop not entirely but to some extent different teams for red-ball and white-ball cricket so that the players remain fresh and interested.

“So, gaps are essential and I noticed when players stay in a match mood, they do not even get the time to improve their personal skills; be it physical or technical.

“The strive would be to give them four to six weeks of rest after three months so that they can work on their skills, and regain physical fitness because our focus is how to carry them for 10 to 12 years at the top.”

It’s worth noting that the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi.

Meanwhile, the season finale is scheduled on 9 March in Lahore, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.

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Aqib Javed appointed as interim red-ball head coach of Pakistan

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Aqib Javed as the interim red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

The PCB has confirmed the appointment of Aqib as the interim head coach, following the unexpected resignation of red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie.

Gillespie’s decision to step down was reportedly driven by growing differences with the PCB, creating a rift that ultimately led to his departure from the role.

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Earlier today, news broke that Gillespie refused to travel to South Africa, where he was set to oversee a specialized training camp in preparation for an upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.

Sources familiar with the situation indicated that Gillespie’s decision to abandon the trip, which he was meant to commence yesterday, was influenced by the PCB’s choice not to extend the contract of red-ball assistant coach Tim Nielsen, a move that seemed to displease him significantly.

Although Gillespie cited personal reasons for his refusal to travel, many believe that his discomfort with the PCB is rooted in a series of recent administrative shifts.

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Notably, in October, he was removed from the Test team’s selection panel, with his role reduced to a “match-day strategist,” following Aqib Javed, Aleem Dar and Azhar Ali’s inclusion in the national men’s selection committee.

Aqib Javed, who is currently in South Africa with Pakistan’s white-ball team, will kick off his tenure as red-ball head coach with the two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26. The second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.

Pakistan squad for Test series against South Africa

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha

READ: Jason Gillespie refuses to join Pakistan team on South Africa tour: sources

Aqib Javed explains Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from Test squad

Aqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan and a member of the selection committee, explained the reasons for excluding pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and off-spinner Sajid Khan from the squad for the Test series against South Africa.

Earlier today, the Pakistan men’s selection committee announced the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled from 10 December to 7 January. The tour comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

However, Sajid Khan, who took 19 wickets in two Test matches against England, was a notable exclusion alongside Shaheen Afridi.

Aqib Javed, while clarifying the reasons, highlighted the ‘horses for courses policy,’ stating that Sajid has left out because pitches in South Africa are not suitable for spinners.

It’s worth noting that Noman Ali, who took 20 wickets against England, is the sole spinner in the Test squad.

“We have adopted horses for courses policy to ensure all three squads are well-balanced and capable of performing strongly in South Africa,” said Aqib.

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“Leaving out Sajid Khan, despite his stellar performances against England, was an extremely tough and difficult decision.

“However, considering the pace-friendly conditions at Centurion and in Cape Town, we opted for Mohammad Abbas instead, who is an outstanding exponent of seam bowling.”

On the other hand, Aqib revealed that Shaheen Afridi has been rested as part of the strategy to keep him fresh and fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” he added.

He further shared that opening batter Fakhar Zaman was also not considered for the white-ball series against South Africa as he is yet to achieve full fitness.

“Similarly, Fakhar Zaman was not considered as he is yet to regain form and match fitness.”

Pakistan squads for South Africa tour

Tests: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha

ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

T20Is: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

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Aaqib Javed opens up on Fakhar Zaman’s potential comeback

Aaqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan, has discussed the potential return of top-order batter Fakhar Zaman to the national team on Wednesday.

Fakhar was excluded from the central contracts for the 2024-25 international season, as well as the squads for the tours to Australia and Zimbabwe last month.

However, Aaqib, who recently took charge as the interim head coach, heaped praise on Fakhar, calling him a match-winner.

The former pacer shared that Fakhar is dealing with some fitness issues and he will be back in the team once he achieves full recovery.

“Fakhar Zaman is a match-winner. He has been facing some fitness issues, but the selection committee will reconsider him once he regains fitness,” Aaqib stated while addressing the media in Lahore.

Remember, Fakhar expressed his disappointment through a social media post over the selection committee’s decision to drop star batter Babar Azam after the first Test against England last month.

Consequently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a show-cause notice to the left-hander over breaching the Code of Conduct.

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Aaqib Javed further shared that as interim head coach his goal is to take Pakistan cricket forward using his extensive coaching experience.

“PCB has entrusted me with additional responsibilities, and I will fulfil them to the best of my abilities,” he added. “I have been coaching for over 22 years and will use my experience with the team.”

“As a coach, I am not focusing on individual players but on improving Pakistan cricket as a whole.”

He emphasized that significant changes are needed for Pakistan’s T20I team, and for this reason, new players will be provided ample opportunities ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

“There’s still over a year left for the next T20 World Cup, so a lot of changes will be seen,” Aaqib Javed stated.

“The team selected for Zimbabwe gives a message to new players that they will be given opportunities.

“However, as of now, we are focusing more on ODI matches and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”

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Aaqib Javed appointed as interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday confirmed the appointment of former fast bowler Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

During this tenure, Aaqib 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 white-ball coaching role had become vacant following the resignation of Gary Kirsten last month ahead of the ongoing tour of Australia.

In Kirsten’s absence, red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie had coached the side during the tour of Australia, who will now rejoin the side for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa.

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The Pakistan men’s side is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe (24 November – 5 December) and as many white-ball matches in South Africa (10-22 December).

In the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for an ODI triangular series from 8-14 February.

Aaqib Javed has extensive coaching experience, having previously served as Pakistan’s bowling coach during their successful ICC T20 World Cup campaign in 2009. Earlier this year, he worked with the Sri Lanka men’s team as their bowling coach.

Prior to that, he also oversaw the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earning the ODI status and qualifying for the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia during his tenure as the head coach.

Moreover, the right-arm pacer was also the coach of Pakistan’s Under-19 team when they won the U19 World Cup in 2004.

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Aaqib Javed compares THIS Sri Lankan pacer with Mohammad Asif

Former Pakistan Test cricketer and Sri Lanka’s bowling coach Aaqib Javed showered massive praise on young Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando by comparing him with Mohammad Asif.

Right-arm pacer Asif, who represented Pakistan in 23 Tests, 38 ODIs and 11 T20Is from 2005 to 2010, was considered one of the most gifted and skilful pacers, having been acknowledged by the likes of AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Kevin Pietersen.

Meanwhile, Fernando, in the ongoing first away Test against England, impressed with his performance, returning figures of 3/68 which included key wickets of Ollie Pope and Joe Root.

The right-arm pacer, despite conceding runs at almost five runs per over, caused trouble to the home side with his skiddy pace and ability to swing both ways.

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Acknowledging Asitha Fernando’s brilliance, Aaqib Javed compared him with Mohammad Asif.

“I told him that after Mohammad Asif of Pakistan I saw that quality in him. Not many people know about his ability. Without changing his wrist, he can swing the ball both ways,” said Aaqib.

Aaqib then went on to reveal that he was the one who picked Asif, who was not even a part of the system back then.

“I actually picked Mohammad Asif. He wasn’t in the system. That’s how I know Asif a lot. Sometimes you don’t know what happens with your wrist. He (Asitha) has now got different confidence levels. People change their wrists, change the shine (which way it is showing) – but Asitha is so gifted, and they (the batters) even don’t know which way it will go,’ he further added.

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Aaqib Javed opens up about Lahore Qalandars’ struggles in PSL 9

KARACHI: Former pacer Aaqib Javed, the head coach of Lahore Qalandars, has opened up about his team’s struggles during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

The defending champions Lahore Qalandars suffered six consecutive losses in the PSL 9 and crashed out of the playoff race.

Javed, while talking to the media in Karachi, stated that the availability and injury issues of their players were the major factors behind the team’s dismal performance.

“We tried to create a balanced team, however, David Wiese’s injury, Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s as well as other players’ absence caused problems for the team,” said the former pacer.

“Rashid Khan has always been the best option for our team, but unfortunately he could not participate this season.”

Aaqib Javed also reflected on Lahore Qalandars’ approach in the remaining games against Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators.

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“We lost some matches in the last minute. But now it is a matter of honour for our team to win the remaining matches,” he remarked.

He expressed hope that his team will turn things around in the match against arch-rivals Karachi Kings.

“Although we failed to defeat Karachi Kings for the past few games, they do not have a psychological advantage over us,” Aaqib Javed said.

“We have to play positive cricket and we can make a comeback,” he added.

He also praised Lahore Qalandars’ captain Shaheen Afridi, who completed 100 wickets in PSL during their match against Islamabad United.

“Shaheen [Afridi] has crossed the milestone of 100 wickets in PSL. It is a matter of honour for our team.”

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