Aqib Javed – Photo courtesy PCB website
The appointment of former Test pacer Aaqib Javed as Pakistan’s white-ball coach, coupled with his role as a national selector, has triggered a wave of criticism and scrutiny. Aaqib replaced Gary Kirsten just a week before the ODI series in Australia, a tour where Pakistan showed mixed results—winning the ODI series but faltering in the T20Is. With crucial series in Zimbabwe and South Africa on the horizon, Pakistan’s cricketing decisions have come under the scanner, particularly the viability of entrusting Aaqib with such overlapping responsibilities.
Aaqib Javed has defended his position by emphasizing stability in team selection, citing minimal changes in recent line-ups as a strength. “From the Multan Test against England to the three-match ODI series in Australia, there was no change in the team,” Aaqib remarked. “The team which played the Multan Test was retained for the Rawalpindi Test. Similarly, the team which played the first ODI against Australia was kept the same for the next two matches. So I don’t think there is any problem because our objective is to select the best team for Pakistan.”
Interestingly, Aaqib himself had previously criticized similar dual roles held by Misbah-ul-Haq and Wahab Riaz, arguing at the time that such arrangements led to conflicts of interest. Critics have been quick to point out this apparent contradiction, questioning whether his extensive coaching background is enough to manage both roles effectively.
Balancing the roles of coach and selector presents significant challenges. As a coach, Aaqib is tasked with creating a cohesive environment, developing strategies, and mentoring players. As a selector, he must objectively assess performances, make tough calls, and prioritize the team’s future over individual loyalties. These demands are inherently conflicting, and many experts believe the dual role compromises the integrity of both positions. A former Pakistan captain has been vocal in criticism, stating, “Aaqib Javed is a seasoned professional, but no one can be an impartial selector and a team strategist at the same time. This setup invites favoritism and poor decision-making.”
Similarly, a cricket analyst argued, “Pakistan cricket has struggled with systemic issues for years, and this dual-role experiment risks exacerbating the problem. A coach and a selector have fundamentally different roles and should remain separate.”
Speaking at a press meet at Gaddafi Stadium, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi attempted to justify the decision. “We have temporarily asked Aaqib Javed to take over as coach until the Champions Trophy,” Naqvi explained. “We don’t want to act too hastily in bringing in another coach who isn’t right. So this three-month gap, Aaqib will work [in that position]. He definitely wants to work on other things, but we requested him to work for three months as head coach, and after that, we will see about the other stuff he wants to do.”
While Naqvi’s pragmatic approach acknowledges the challenges of finding a suitable coach on short notice, it also highlights the PCB’s reactive decision-making process. Critics argue that such ad-hoc arrangements undermine long-term planning and fail to inspire confidence among players and stakeholders.
The controversy surrounding Aaqib Javed’s dual role is symptomatic of larger governance issues within the PCB. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also serving as Pakistan’s Interior Minister, has drawn criticism for his divided attention and inability to dedicate sufficient time to cricket operations.
“Balancing two high-stakes roles like PCB Chairman and Interior Minister is untenable,” said former cricketer Shoaib Malik. “Pakistan cricket needs full-time leadership to address its challenges, especially with the packed international schedule leading up to the Champions Trophy.”
Veteran sports journalist Osman Samiuddin shared a similar perspective: “The PCB’s inefficiencies stem from its leadership vacuum. Mohsin Naqvi’s divided focus has left critical issues unresolved, from domestic cricket reforms to player welfare and strategic planning.”
Despite the criticism, Aaqib remains optimistic about his ability to contribute positively to Pakistan cricket. Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, he remarked, “I have been coaching for the last 20 years. A coach can only help in creating a good environment to a certain extent, sending a clear and loud message about the type of cricket to be played and helping players in preparation. But in the end, results are achieved by the captain and players on the field.”
With Pakistan gearing up for a demanding schedule—three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe, followed by series in South Africa and a home Test series against the West Indies—Aaqib’s tenure as coach and selector will be put to the test. His performance will likely shape the PCB’s future decisions, including whether to separate the roles permanently.
Suggested Reforms
To address the ongoing issues, several reforms should be considered:
⦁ Separation of Roles: The PCB must establish clear boundaries between coaching and selection responsibilities, ensuring each role is handled by dedicated professionals.
⦁ Full-Time Chairman: Mohsin Naqvi must prioritize one role, either stepping down as PCB Chairman or relinquishing his Interior Ministerial duties. A full-time chairman is essential for effective cricket governance.
⦁ Strategic Planning: The PCB should adopt a forward-thinking approach, identifying and grooming potential coaching candidates well in advance to avoid reactive decisions.
⦁ Improved Accountability: Introducing checks and balances within the PCB can ensure greater transparency and reduce the influence of political and personal biases.
The overlapping roles of Aaqib Javed as coach and selector, combined with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s dual responsibilities, reflect deeper structural issues within Pakistan cricket governance. While Aaqib’s extensive coaching experience offers some hope, the inherent challenges of dual roles and the lack of a dedicated PCB chairman raise serious concerns. Without decisive reforms, Pakistan cricket risks undermining its progress at a time when stability and strategic planning are crucial.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
