Is Aaqib Javed Right to Defend Pakistan’s Team Selection?
News Desk
Islamabad: Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed has defended the team selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, asserting that players were chosen on merit despite the team’s disappointing performance in the tournament.
Speaking at a press conference at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, Javed acknowledged that the team’s results had fallen short of expectations but insisted that the players were not to blame.
“I stand by my team. When results don’t go our way, no one is more disappointed than the players themselves,” he said.
Javed highlighted the significance of experience in high-pressure matches, particularly ahead of the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash. “The Indian team is the most experienced in this tournament, having played nearly 1,500 games collectively, whereas Pakistan’s squad has played around 400,” he noted.
He attributed the team’s struggles to injuries, particularly the absence of key players Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. “We performed well in Australia and South Africa, but certain matches required specific players to step up. Unfortunately, injuries disrupted our plans, and we had to rely on the best available options,” he explained.
Javed also backed Pakistan’s core squad, emphasizing the importance of stability in team selection. “Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf are among the best bowlers in the world. And who better to lead the batting than Babar Azam? Losing a few matches doesn’t mean we overhaul the entire team,” he asserted.
He stressed the need for consistency and long-term planning to improve both individual players and the team as a whole.
Regarding Pakistan’s upcoming match against Bangladesh, Javed praised their bowling attack, particularly pacers Nahid Rana and Mustafizur Rahman. “Every game presents its own challenges and pressures. We respect Bangladesh’s skillful pace attack, and we are prepared for a competitive match,” he said.
Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in the 9th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 27.
