ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Cricket Board has named former international fast bowler Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach of the white-ball team. His appointment will run until the Champions Trophy scheduled for 2025.

Gary Kirsten from South Africa stepped down from his position as the head coach for the white-ball format, which resulted in Jason Gillespie taking over the responsibilities during Pakistan’s recent tour of Australia, which concluded on Monday.

The PCB announced on Monday that Aaqib will also serve as a senior member of the selection committee, and he will receive additional duties following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy.

The board plans to kick off the search process for a permanent white-ball head coach, aiming to finalize the hiring by the end of the Champions Trophy, which is slated to take place from February 19 to March 9.

Under Gillespie’s guidance, the Pakistan team achieved a notable victory against Australia, winning the ODI series 2-1. This marked Pakistan’s first series win in Australia in 22 years. However, in a contrasting outcome, Australia dominated Pakistan in the T20 series, securing a clean sweep with a 3-0 result, including a seven-wicket victory in the final match held in Hobart on Monday.

Aaqib’s squad is set to compete in at least 14 white-ball matches leading up to the Champions Trophy, although the tournament’s schedule is still pending from the ICC due to India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the event.

Following this, the team will engage in three ODIs and three T20s against Zimbabwe later this month, before traveling to South Africa for another series. Additionally, Pakistan has organized a home triangular ODI series from February 8-14, featuring matches against New Zealand and South Africa as the other two competing nations.