Aaqib Javed Keeps High Performance Director Role Amid Backlash

Aaqib Javed is set to remain Pakistan’s Director of High Performance despite the criticism that followed the team’s two defeats against England in the ongoing Test series.

The former fast bowler took charge of the role in May 2025 after replacing Nadeem Khan. During his playing days, Aaqib appeared in 22 Tests and 163 ODIs for Pakistan.

His role has come under discussion after Pakistan lost the first two Tests of the England tour. Aaqib Javed is also a member of the national men’s selection committee, which has added to the questions surrounding his responsibilities.

However, there will be no immediate change to his position, and Aaqib will continue his work with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Aaqib Javed was recently in the United Kingdom for a short visit. During his stay, he joined the Pakistan men’s cricket team at a luncheon hosted by King Charles III on Wednesday.

After attending the event, Aaqib returned to Lahore and is set to carry on with his duties as Director of High Performance.

Besides Test defeats, serious questions over Aaqib’s role have increased after the PCB made several major changes to Pakistan’s squad for the third Test against England. Seven players were left out, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from the setup for the match at Edgbaston that will be played from September 9 to 13.

However, there is no indication that Aaqib Javed is set to leave his position. As per the latest reports, he remains the Director of High Performance and is still involved in important decisions concerning Pakistan cricket. The reports also confirmed that Aaqib is continuing to perform the duties given to him by the board.

Another issue involving Aaqib Javed is related to the selection committee. The former Pakistan cricketer has already sent his reply to the PCB after the board asked the committee to explain certain selection decisions.

The explanation was linked to Mohammad Rizwan’s selection for Pakistan’s away Test series in the West Indies and Imam-ul-Haq’s inclusion in the squad for the England tour. The latest questions were asked by the PCB after both experienced players failed badly in the England tour, where the green shirts have produced lackluster performances.