Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are in search of a new head coach for the national team as reports suggest that they are eyeing a complete overhaul in the setup very soon.
Aqib Javed, the former fast bowler, had taken over the role as an interim head coach after the departure of Australian bowling legend Jason Gillespie last year.
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However, following the team's disappointing performances in the 2025 Champions Trophy, PCB has reportedly started looking for new options.
In the recent Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan, the home side went winless during the group stages, losing two matches, with one ending in a no-result.
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Although their hunt for a foreign coach might prove to be difficult given the recent exits of Gillespie and Gary Kirsten, who quit the role after things had spiralled out of control with the board.
In this article, The Sporting News takes a look at three potential candidates who could take over the head coach role and if legendary pacer Wasim Akram has shown interest in the role.
Three Candidates who could become the Pakistan cricket team's next head coach
Saqlain Mushtaq
According to The News, legendary Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is one of the front-runners for the head coach role. Mushtaq has previously served as an interim coach of the national team between 2021 and 2022.
He remains a respected figure in Pakistan cricket circles, known for being a good tactician with a calm personality and is reported to have had a good relationship with the players.
However, he has also previously expressed that he will be unable to take up the role on a long-term basis due to personal commitments.
How did Saqlain Mushtaq perform as Pakistan's head coach previously?
Mushtaq stepped down from the role after Pakistan's 0-3 Test series whitewash against England back in 2022, being the major reason for his departure.
Under his coaching, the team also had some impressive performances, most notably, finishing as the finalists of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
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Mike Hesson
Another report from ProPakistani suggests that current Islamabad United head coach Hesson, who is on a stint in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, is one of the favourites for the soon-to-be vacant position.
The 50-year-old has a varied experience. From coaching New Zealand between 2012-18 to being the Director of Cricket at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, Henson has worked across the globe.
However, there is a worry that his schedule and commitment with various T20 franchises around the world could be an obstacle to his appointment in a full-time capacity.
Moreover, PCB has not had a good experience when dealing with foreign coaches. They will be wary of appointing Hesson for the same reasons.
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Sarfaraz Ahmed
The News reports also revealed an interesting development about the involvement of Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan's 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain. Whether that will be in a mentoring or interim capacity remains to be seen.
However, to take up the role, Ahmed would have to formally retire from international cricket.
There was also a suggestion for Misbah-ul-Haq returning to the role, but a forgettable tenure last time around may have forced the odds against him.
Is Wasim Akram an option for PCB as Pakistan's new head coach?
While Akram has not hesitated in providing inputs and being involved in coaching stints in the PSL and other T20 leagues, he has not shown great interest in taking up the national team's head coach role.
During a chat with SportsKeeda in December 2023, the former left-arm pacer was asked if he would prefer coaching Pakistan or Australia. In what was a surprising answer, he replied "Australia".
He cited that the high pressure involved with coaching his home country is the reason why he would not prefer taking it.
Wasim Akram asked if he would prefer to coach Pakistan or Australia:
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) December 29, 2023
"If I get the option I will pick Australia. Not because of my wife, it's because there will be less pressure and I will be able to do my job" (via sportskeeda)#Cricket
Apart from family commitments, Akram revealed that the poor history of how Pakistan coaches have been treated in the past is another reason why he is not interested in taking up the role.
He made the statement on The Dressing Room talk show during the Champions Trophy, saying:
"People still, on and off, criticise me or take digs at me, saying all I do is talk and nothing else. When I see Pakistan coaches like Waqar here, who has been sacked multiple times after becoming a coach-and how they are treated, I cannot tolerate the disrespect."
Akram added: "If you organise a camp and want me there, I will be there. If you need me to spend time with the cricketers ahead of a major tournament, I will do that. But I am 58 years old, and at this stage of my life, I have a family have a 10-year-old daughter, and two sons. I need to spend time with them. That said, I am always available. Free of charge, I will give my time."
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