Make Aaqib Javed non-playing captain: Former Pakistan cricketer mocks PCB selector

Former Pakistan all-rounder Rashid Khan has sarcastically advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to make senior selector Aaqib Javed the non-playing captain for all formats, looking at the former pacer’s growing involvement in team affairs.

Rashid’s comments came after Aaqib defended the PCB’s decision to overhaul Pakistan’s Test squad in the middle of the England tour. Seven players were sent home after back-to-back defeats while he was head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was replaced by cue ball coach Mike Hesson for the final test.

“Since Aaqib obviously knows more about Pakistan cricket, I don’t see why he can’t be the non-playing captain,” Rashid said sarcastically in a podcast on hamariweb.com.

Aaqib sought to justify the sweeping changes, arguing that the team’s performances had left PCB with few options. He also defended the decision to bring in new faces in a series that Pakistan had already lost.

PAKISTAN DESPERATE TO SAVE PRIDE IN BIRMINGHAM

Two heavy defeats added to Pakistan’s woes on the England tour. England won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before clinching the series with a 194-run victory with the Lord. Pakistan failed to post a total of 200 in any of their four completed innings in the first two Tests.

The second Test again revealed batting struggles, with Pakistan bowled out for 110 in their first innings and 194 in pursuit of 389. Saud Shakeel’s 97 was their only major batting highlight, while Mohammad Abbas claimed five wickets for the visitors.

The third and final Test begins at Edgbaston, Birmingham on 9 September, with England seeking a 3–0 draw. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be looking to salvage some pride after a chaotic fortnight that saw seven players sent home and changes to the coaching staff.

Rashid, who played Test cricket for Pakistan and was part of their 1983 World Cup squad, was particularly critical of Aaqib’s role.

“He gives the impression that he knows everything, and now that he is openly even interfering in the work of the head coach and captain, give him total control of the team,” he said.

Rashid also questioned whether Aaqib’s involvement should go further.

“Aaqib is now criticizing the team management and has interfered in team affairs before, so why not make him a permanent non-playing captain like in tennis,” he wondered.

“At least then he wouldn’t be able to blame anyone for poor performances.”

With a revamped squad and a new coaching set-up, Pakistan now have their last chance in Birmingham to respond on the pitch and avoid ending an already turbulent tour of England with a lime.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

03 Sep 2026 21:00 IST