Aaqib Javed declines Bangladesh coaching role

Former Pakistani pacer Aaqib Javed has declined the coaching role offered to him by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). The reports come following speculation regarding the availability of Javed after the latter stepped down from his position as head coach of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the conclusion of the World T20.

The BCB had reportedly made Aaqib Javed an offer with a ‘Plan B’ in place should he decline the offer. Javed stated that he didn’t want a conflict of interest as he joined the PSL side, Lahore Qalandars and that it wasn’t possible for him to take any other job at the moment.

“I have recently joined Lahore Qalandars and started working from last Friday only, so it’s not possible for me to take any other job,” Javed told ESPNcricinfo. “But I may be open for a short-term coaching consultant job after the second edition of PSL, not as full-time [coach]. Right now I am in a long-term relationship with the Qalandars and I am committed to them, and it’s not really reasonable for me to take up a role with Bangladesh.”

BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury confirmed that Javed had communicated his decision and the board is now looking at other candidates. BCB chairman Akram Khan also stated the same.

“After we contacted him, Javed considered our proposal but [declined] because it would be very difficult to handle two important positions at the same time,” Chowdhury said. “As we were doing before, we are looking for other options in this position.”

“Aaqib has informed us that he is not going to come. We are not too worried about it. He was not our only option. We also have plans B, C, etc. We will now hold talks with the others,” Akram said.

“The truth is that the job becomes difficult for both sides if we name (a favourite). You will know as soon as we finalise something.”