Pakistan head coach admits struggles, but backs players\u2019 efforts in Champions Trophy
\n islamabad
\nPakistan head coach Aaqib Javed has come out in support of the national team following their disappointing exit at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
\nSpeaking at a press conference in Rawalpindi, interim head coach asserted that the squad was selected on merit but admitted that results had not met expectations.
\n\u201cPakistan picked the best available team, but the performances haven\u2019t matched expectations\u2014that is a reality,\u201d he said. \u201cSome players are crucial for specific matches. Everyone in the squad earned their place based on performances. Right now, apart from Babar Azam, what other options do we have?\u201d
\nJaved dismissed excuses in professional cricket and reiterated that the team remains optimistic before every match. \u201cThe players are disappointed with their own performances. The nation must believe that the team is giving its all,\u201d he added, emphasising the emotional intensity of Pakistan-India clashes.
\nPakistan\u2019s struggles against India
\nReflecting on Pakistan\u2019s defeat against India, Javed said that a total closer to 300 would have made for a more competitive contest. \u201cWithout a strong total, bowlers are forced to adopt an aggressive approach,\u201d he explained.
\nJaved also highlighted the absence of key players, noting that the lack of experienced impact players hurt Pakistan in high-pressure games.
\n\u201cThe absence of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman was felt. Sufiyan Muqeem and Irfan Niazi lacked ODI exposure,\u201d he stated.
\nSquad selection decisions
\nAddressing Pakistan\u2019s team combination, Javed defended the inclusion of Khushdil Shah, stating that his ability to bowl a few overs made him a viable replacement for Ayub.
\nHe reiterated that a seven-batsman, four-bowler combination is the standard approach in ODIs.
\nBacking the experience of Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, Javed maintained that Pakistan fielded the best available squad. He also praised Saud Shakeel\u2019s efforts, recognising the left-hander\u2019s hard work in cementing his place in the side.
\nPakistan will face Bangladesh in their final ICC Champions Trophy 2025 encounter on Thursday, emanating from Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Pakistan head coach admits struggles, but backs players\u2019 efforts in Champions Trophy islamabad Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed has come out in support of the national team following their disappointing exit at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking at a press conference in Rawalpindi, interim head coach asserted that the squad was selected on merit […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":464096,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-464084","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n