“Pakistan’s Early Exit Sparks Debate”
Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked intense discussions about the team’s selection and overall strategy. Hosting an ICC event after 29 years, Pakistan was eliminated within five days, raising concerns about their squad composition and on-field performance.
Aaqib Javed Responds to Selection Criticism
Ahead of Pakistan’s final league-stage match against Bangladesh on February 27, interim head coach Aaqib Javed addressed tough questions about the team’s squad selection. He defended the process, asserting that players were chosen based on merit, even though the team failed to meet expectations.
Addressing Reports of Internal Disagreements
Javed also commented on reports of disagreements between him and captain Mohammad Rizwan regarding team selection. It was rumored that Rizwan preferred Khushdil Shah, while Javed leaned towards Faheem Ashraf. Ultimately, Khushdil was included in the squad, hinting at a compromise. However, Javed downplayed these reports, emphasizing that all selections were justified based on performance.
Over-Reliance on Babar Azam?
Responding to criticism about Pakistan’s dependence on Babar Azam, Javed posed a counter-question:
“Right now, apart from Babar Azam, what other options do we have?”
He suggested that the issue was more complex than it appeared, hinting at a lack of dependable alternatives in the batting lineup.
Key Players’ Absence Hurt Pakistan
Reflecting on Pakistan’s losses, including a six-wicket defeat to India, Javed admitted that the team’s total was not competitive. He also highlighted the absence of crucial players like Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, stating that their presence could have made a significant difference. Additionally, he pointed out that players like Sufiyan Muqeem and Irfan Niazi lacked ODI experience, which impacted performance in pressure situations.
Team’s Determination to End on a High Note
Despite their early exit, Javed assured that the team remains committed to giving their best in their final match.
“The players are disappointed with their performances, but the nation must believe that they are giving their all,” he concluded.
