The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to unleash a major shake-up following a crushing 6-wicket defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With growing internal and external pressure, head coach Aaqib Javed is reportedly on the verge of being dismissed along with his entire support staff, as the board scrambles to address what many are calling a systemic failure.
A Night of Disappointment in Dubai
Pakistan’s hopes of turning around their fortunes in the Champions Trophy were dashed at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Coming off a disappointing loss to New Zealand, the team had been buoyed by bold predictions from Javed himself that they would “surprise India.” However, the on-field performance told a different story. Batting first, the Mohammad Rizwan-led side was bowled out for a mere 241 runs, and India comfortably chased the target with over seven overs remaining.
Backlash from the Cricketing Establishment
The loss has sparked a firestorm of criticism from Pakistan’s cricketing veterans. Former stars including Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis have all expressed their dismay over the team’s lack of cohesion and preparedness. Many believe that the crisis is not solely about on-field errors but also about the strategic missteps within the coaching setup.
A source close to PTI revealed,
“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 formats, but one thing is certain: the current support staff will be overhauled following the poor showing in the Champions Trophy.”
A Shift Toward Homegrown Expertise
Amid growing discontent, there are strong indications that PCB may pivot away from its recent reliance on foreign coaches. The resignations of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillispie have left a void that the board now seems inclined to fill with experienced former players. “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. The PCB, after the way Kirsten and Gillispie resigned, is not going to get a choice of field when it comes to foreign coaches, so most probably the PCB will look at former players for the job.”
This potential shift underscores a broader sentiment within the PCB: that revitalizing the team requires not just tactical adjustments, but a return to the familiar values and insights of those who have previously donned the national colors.
What This Means for the Champions Trophy and Beyond
With Pakistan now on the brink of elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – a fate that could be sealed if New Zealand defeats Bangladesh in their ongoing match – the urgency for change could not be higher. The current turmoil in the coaching ranks may very well serve as a catalyst for long-overdue reforms in Pakistan cricket’s management and strategy.
The impending overhaul is being closely watched by fans and pundits alike, with many seeing it as a necessary step toward stabilizing a team that has long struggled with consistency and leadership challenges. PCB’s next moves will be critical in not only salvaging this tournament but also in laying the foundation for future international success.
