Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan Head Coach to be sacked after embarrassing exit, former players in contention for role - Report

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to make sweeping changes to the national team's coaching setup following Pakistan's embarrassing exit in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as per a report by PTI.

Interim head coach Aaqib Javed, along with other members of the support staff, is expected to be relieved of his duties in the aftermath of Pakistan's six-wicket defeat against India followed by exit the next day.

The debacle has triggered widespread criticism from former Pakistan cricketers, who have raised concerns over the squad's lack of depth and defensive approach. Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Salman Butt, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis have all voiced their dissatisfaction, highlighting the team's failure to rise to the occasion in high-pressure matches.

As per PTI, a senior PCB source confirmed that an overhaul of the coaching staff is imminent, although the board has yet to decide whether to appoint separate head coaches for the red-ball and white-ball formats. "There has been significant backlash over the team's performance in the Champions Trophy 2025. The board is evaluating its options, but a complete revamp of the coaching setup is on the horizon," the source stated.

The constant chopping and changing of coaches over the past year has made it challenging for PCB to find long-term candidates for these roles. Initially, Aaqib Javed was appointed interim head coach for the limited-overs team following Gary Kirsten's resignation. Later, he was handed the Test coaching responsibilities as well after Jason Gillespie stepped down.

Now, with poor back-to-back performances in the tournament, the PCB is expected to turn to former Pakistani players for the head coach position. The board's struggle to retain foreign coaches in recent times has left them with limited options, making it more likely that a former cricketer will be given the responsibility of leading the team. The underwhelming performances of key players like Babar Azam, Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah have only added to the scrutiny.