Aaqib Javed has re-emerged as one of the frontrunners for the vacant position of Pakistan coach, just over a week after he had ruled himself out of the running.
Regardless of whether he becomes Pakistan's next head coach, however, the news for the UAE cricket team is bad: Aaqib is almost certain to leave his post as UAE coach and move back to Pakistan, to possibly explore an opportunity with the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Aaqib was favourite to take over once Waqar Younis resigned after a poor World Twenty20. He said at the time that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had called him and asked whether he would accept the position and he had said yes.
But he withdrew his interest, in some frustration, once the board officially advertised the position. He was further unhappy as he felt that Ramiz Raja and Wasim Akram, two advisors appointed by the PCB to help them in their search, had publicly expressed a preference for a foreign coach.
Now, however, it has emerged that the PCB maintained contact with Aaqib and has convinced him to at least stay in the race as a contender; it is not clear yet whether he will formally apply through the coach selection committee or whether the PCB deals with him directly.
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Even if he does not get it, however, it is very unlikely he will stay on in the UAE, where he has been coach since April 2012. It is understood that he is keen to move back to take up a senior position at a PSL franchise.
If he does go, it will be as the most successful coach in UAE history, having taken the national side to two World Cups, as well as achieving ODI status.
The PCB have been keen on Aaqib from the beginning. He is, as coach, a local product who has worked extensively and successfully in various set-ups within Pakistan cricket: he was head coach of the National Cricket Academy, has been an U-19 World Cup winning coach and has also worked with the national side as an assistant coach.
Despite the interest, it is not a done deal. The vacancy has invited interest from a number of prominent coaching names. Though Aaqib has only one serious local contender in Mohammad Akram, from around the globe the competition is stiffer.
Those thought to be interested or who have already applied for the role, or whom the PCB is especially keen on, include the Australian Stuart Law, the former England coach Peter Moores, as well as the former South Africa and Australia coach Mickey Arthur; the last two, given their international experience will inevitably be strong contenders.
Dean Jones, the former Australian batsman-turned-commentator, who was coach of the Islamabad United side that won the inaugural PSL, is also in the running.
The PCB were keen on reaching out to Paddy Upton, who is involved with three Twenty20 franchises including the PSL’s Lahore Qalanders, but it is believed he is not keen on a full-time appointment with an international side. He could, however, be open to considering a part-time/consulting role.
The board has asked candidates to submit a vision document of sorts, for where they see the team, as well as its coaching and support structures in the short, medium and long-term, as part of their application.
The board’s deadline for the submission of these applications is April 25th, after which, according to the chairman Shaharyar Khan, they hope to finalise and appoint a coach by the first week of May.
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
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