Time to move on as coach, Aaqib says
UAE COACH TO SIGN OFF AFTER A FRUITFUL FOUR-YEAR TERM
ormer Pakistan pace ace Aaqib Javed, who lifted UAE cricket to unprecedented heights as head coach of the national team, has decided to bid adieu to the country once his contract ends on May 31. Javed will take charge of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Lahore Qalandars.
Speaking to Gulf News after announcing his decision, Javed said: “The UAE has gained a lot in the last four years. As coach, I felt the time is now to move on. From qualifying for two World Cups, Under-19 World Cup as well as Asia Cup, UAE cricket has progressed immensely. It was also a perfect platform for me to develop myself as a head coach and after four years in that role, I felt I should take up another challenge. It is nice to be leaving after placing the team on top and if I continue, it would be only doing something repetitively that I had been doing for the team.”
Javed had joined Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) as head coach in March, 2012 with a mission. “It was a challenge to coach the UAE team which had multinational players from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, but it was heartening to see the team gain international recognition. The biggest one was the team gaining One-day International (ODI) status. During my period I have been fortunate to have worked with such great associate cricketers, including Khurram Khan, Saqib Ali, Shaiman Anwar and many more. I see an exciting future for UAE cricket and wish them good luck. I am really excited with the next chapter of my coaching career.”
Former UAE captain Khurram Khan, with whom Javed worked hard to help UAE qualify for two World Cups, said in an exclusive message: “Javed did a lot for UAE cricket and even personally for me. I will remember him for being a turning point in my career and UAE cricket. He was really hard-working and his neversay-die attitude separated him from others. He always had something new if things did not work.”
Next chapter
Talking about his next chapter, Javed said: “The talks with Lahore Qalandars are on and [they] will finalise my role on March 26. If I accept the role it will be a new challenge as this team had finished fifth in the first edition of the PSL.”
When asked whether he will be associated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as well, Javed said: “Since I will be joining PSL and if PCB would need my assistance in any area as bowling coach or any other role, I would surely be available.”
It is also understood that with PCB having now decided not to appoint a foreign coach, Javed is in the running for an important role with the national team.
David East, the chief executive of the ECB, lauded Aaqib’s contribution to UAE cricket. “Aaqib has been a great influence among the (UAE) players and coaching team during his four year tenure. He has been integral to Emirates Cricket senior men’s appearance on the international stage at four high profile ACC and ICC tournaments, as well as our senior men’s securing ODI and T20I status. We sincerely thank Aaqib for his commitment and efforts and wish him the very best with his future endeavours. We will shortly announce the process for the recruitment of the [next] head coach, and subsequently appoint an assistant coach,” said East.
Javed, who emphasised on fitness of cricketers and correct training equipment thanked the ICC Academy. said, “I express my special thanks to the ICC Academy for their support and services. I believe UAE cricket is very lucky to have access to the world-class facilities offered at the academy.”
UAE cricket coach