Pakistan's interim head coach Aaqib Javed talked about Men in Green's humiliating defeat against India and their early elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Aaqib Javed opens up on Pakistan's loss to India
Aaqib Javed acknowledged the team's consecutive losses during the group stage, with the six-wicket defeat against India proving particularly decisive in sealing their fate.During a pre-match press conference ahead of Pakistan's final group-stage match against Bangladesh, Javed conceded that the team's performance was impacted by the absence of key players. He specifically mentioned the unavailability of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, highlighting their importance to the team's composition and strategy.
“Certain players who are crucial for the team in specific games were missing. For example, players like Saim (Ayub) and Fakhar (Zaman) create a positive impact in matches. When they are unavailable, we have to select the team accordingly,” Javed said in the press conference.
Pakistan's batting performance has faced considerable criticism following their failures against India and New Zealand. In response, Aaqib Javed acknowledged a key disparity between the two teams: the absence of experienced match-winners within the Pakistani squad, especially when compared to the Indian lineup. He effectively conceded that the Pakistani batting order lacked the depth of proven performers necessary to consistently deliver under pressure, a factor that significantly contributed to their struggles.
“When Pakistan and India are playing, it’s more than cricket. Numbers suggest that this Indian team was more experienced. Collectively, they have played more than 1,500 games, whereas for Pakistan, we are at the bottom. Collectively, this team has played around 400 games," he added.
“After the loss, everyone wants to pinpoint particular players, but there’s no doubt that we have one of the best bowling line-ups in the world. In terms of batting, apart from Babar, who else do you have that has that sort of an impact?” he further added.
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Pakistan's early elimination from the Champions Trophy 2025 has ignited strong reactions from both supporters and cricket analysts. Calls for substantial alterations to the team's roster and coaching staff have echoed throughout the nation. Aaqib Javed addressed the profound emotional toll of the team's elimination, stressing that the players themselves experience the deepest sense of disappointment. He conveyed that the players' emotions were far more intense than any fan or analyst could imagine.
“Many factors influence a Pakistan-India match, and while fans are emotionally hurt, the players feel hurt, disappointed, and upset even more,” he concluded.
Reportedly, Pakistan is set to undergo a massive shake up after the conclusion of Champions Trophy including the sacking of the current interim coach.