The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is said to be planning major alterations to the support staff of the Pakistan men’s cricket team after their disappointing early exit from the 2025 Champions Trophy. Following a defeat against New Zealand in their first match, Pakistan were defeated by a massive six wickets against their arch-rivals India in their second group-stage encounter in Dubai on Sunday.
Early Exit Seals Pakistan’s Fate
The back-to-back losses left Pakistan on the brink of elimination with their hopes running on thin wires. New Zealand’s victory against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday sealed Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament. New Zealand’s 5-wicket triumph, their second successive win, booked their seat in the semi-finals, together with India of Group A.
Also Read: Navjot Singh Sidhu Makes Bold Prediction About Virat Kohli’s Future
Coaching Changes On The Horizon
The PCB is reportedly thinking of relieving Pakistan’s head coach Aaqib Javed of his duties following the country’s disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy, according to a PTI report. Javed was hired as the caretaker white-ball head coach after Gary Kirsten was sacked last year, and he has come under the gun for the recent performance of the team. The PCB source informed that the board is considering a complete revamp of the coaching staff following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the tournament.
Javed’s Tenure And Future
Javed was also given the responsibility of managing the red-ball team after the PCB severed ties with Jason Gillespie last year. Under his guidance, Pakistan won the home Test series against England 2-1. Javed’s short stint is likely to end despite this achievement following Pakistan’s early Champions Trophy exit.
PCB Set To Take Big Decision
“Obviously there is backlash over the team’s performance in the CT. The Board hasn’t decided as yet on whether the team will have separate head coaches (for red and white ball teams) but one thing is certain the current support staff will be overhauled now after the poor show in the Champions Trophy,” a PCB source was quoted as saying by PTI.
“But the way the Board has been changing coaches and selectors since last year, it will be a challenge to find other candidates for these positions,” he added.
Shifting Focus To Permanent Coaches
The PCB had originally hired Javed on an interim contract, retaining him through the Champions Trophy. With the tournament now over, however, the PCB is said to be looking to hire permanent coaches for the men’s team. The question now remains if the board will again look outside the country for their coaches or choose to find an ex-Pakistan cricketer to serve as head coach going forward.
