Aaqib appointed NCA’s Director High Performance

LAHORE: Former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed has returned to the National Cricket Academy as he was been appointed Director High-Performance by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the board has confirmed.

The move is part of a broader strategic overhaul aimed at strengthening the country’s cricket infrastructure, said a PCB official. Aaqib, who represented Pakistan in 22 Test matches and 163 One-Day Internationals from 1988 to 1998, brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field. After his retirement, he transitioned into coaching and cricket administration, previously serving as interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s national team.

He last worked at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore as head coach in December 2017 when Mudassar Nazar was director and was appointed to the national selection committee in 2024.

The NCA was later renamed as High-performance Centre. Aaqib also held the dual roles of Director Cricket Operations and Bowling Consultant for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from 2016 until 2024.

Aaqib Javed’s new role will involve overseeing high-performance development at all levels, from grassroots to the national team, with a focus on player development, coaching standards, and performance metrics across the board. His appointment is seen as part of PCB’s renewed commitment to professionalize its cricketing structure and optimise the performance pipeline for future generations.