Aqib part ways with Qalandars due to national duty

LAHORE: Former Test cricketer Aaqib Javed has stepped down from his role at Lahore Qalandars after being appointed as a selector for the Pakistan national cricket team.

Javed, 52, had an illustrious eight-year tenure with the Qalandars, serving as both Director of Cricket Operations and Head Coach. He joined the franchise in June 2016 and led the team to three Pakistan Super League (PSL) finals between 2020 and 2023, winning two consecutive titles.

During his time with the Qalandars, Javed was instrumental in shaping the team’s success both on and off the field. He played a key role in advancing the franchise’s vision through the Player Development Program (PDP), an initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing young talent. His dedication to the PDP helped build a strong pipeline of future cricketers for both the Qalandars and Pakistan cricket.

Reflecting on his time with the franchise, Javed said, “My journey with Lahore Qalandars has been extraordinary, filled with unforgettable memories and remarkable accomplishments. The Player Development Program has always been close to my heart, and watching young players grow and succeed through this initiative has been incredibly fulfilling. After eight amazing years, I feel it’s the right time to take on a new challenge with the national team. I’m excited to bring my experience to Pakistan cricket and look forward to contributing in this new role.”

Qalandars’ co-owner, Sameen Rana, expressed his gratitude for Javed’s contributions, saying, “I want to sincerely thank Aqib Bhai for everything he’s done for the franchise. His commitment and vision have been pivotal in shaping the identity and success of Lahore Qalandars. From winning PSL titles to nurturing talent through the PDP, his legacy will always be a proud part of our history. While we are sad to see him go, we are excited for his new journey with the national team. We are confident his experience with Qalandars will help him make a lasting impact on Pakistan cricket.”

As Javed embarks on this new chapter, his legacy with Lahore Qalandars remains, and his influence on Pakistan cricket is set to grow even further in his new role as a national team selector.