Head coach Aaqib Javed has addressed Pakistan’s disappointing 6-wicket defeat to India during their Champions Trophy 2025 match.
New Delhi: Pakistan’s temporary head coach Aaqib Javed discussed the team’s disappointing loss to India and their premature exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Aaqib Javed recognized the team’s ongoing struggles in the group stage, noting that the six-wicket loss to India was a crucial factor in determining their outcome. In a press conference before Pakistan’s last group-stage game against Bangladesh, Javed admitted that the team’s performance was affected by the absence of important players. He particularly pointed out the lack of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, emphasizing their significance to the team’s structure and tactics.
“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 display has come under significant scrutiny due to their poor performances against India and New Zealand. In light of this, Aaqib Javed pointed out a crucial difference between the two teams: the lack of seasoned match-winners in the Pakistani team, particularly in contrast to the Indian side. He admitted that the Pakistani batting lineup does not possess the depth of reliable players needed to perform consistently under pressure, which has been a major factor in their difficulties.
“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.
Pakistan’s swift exit from the Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked significant responses from fans and cricket experts alike. There are widespread demands for major changes to the team’s lineup and coaching staff. Aaqib Javed highlighted the deep emotional impact of the team’s departure, emphasizing that the players feel the disappointment more acutely than anyone else, including fans and analysts.
“Many factors influence a Pakistan-India match, and while fans are emotionally hurt, the players feel hurt, disappointed, and upset even more,” he concluded.
Pakistan is expected to experience significant changes following the end of the Champions Trophy, which may include the dismissal of the current interim coach.
