Key points
- Javed refutes claims that the team was selected without due consideration
- Attributes Pakistan’s exit to the experience of the Indian team
- This is not the first time Pakistan has faltered on a grand stage
Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aqib Javed, while admitting the team’s performance in the Champions Trophy fell short of expectations, has emphasised the difficult reality that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) cannot simply swap out the entire squad for the Under-19 team, as the team represented in CT was the best available, we had.
Addressing a media conference on Wednesday, Javed pledging that the management will prioritise the national team’s best interests following their disheartening exit from the Champions Trophy.
Under the captaincy of Mohammad Rizwan, the team faced an early exit from the tournament, which Pakistan is hosting, after suffering back-to-back defeats against New Zealand and India in the group stage.
During a press conference in Rawalpindi, Javed refuted claims that the team was selected without due consideration, asserting, “Every player in the squad earned their spot through merit.” He emphasised that wholesale changes, such as replacing the entire team with Under-19 players, were not feasible simply due to recent losses.
Heartbroken
Javed expressed empathy for the players’ disillusionment, stating, “The team is understandably heartbroken. When expectations aren’t met, it’s the players who feel the weight of disappointment the most.”
He attributed Pakistan’s exit to the seasoned experience of the Indian team, remarking, “India showcased remarkable expertise. In a match where defending 240 runs is critical, taking wickets and maintaining an aggressive posture becomes essential.”
He also noted, “Strategic planning isn’t exclusive to facing India; it’s vital for every encounter.”
When questioned about his contentment with the team selection, he admitted, “Complete satisfaction is elusive, but we fielded the strongest team possible. The rationale behind our choices was to assemble a formidable squad.”
While acknowledging the challenges faced by the team, Javed stated that the current performance levels are indeed lacking. However, he stressed the importance of continuous improvement, declaring, “We must keep moving forward; this process cannot stall.”
He reiterated, “The selection committee’s role is to put forth the best players. As we progress, our decisions will always be made in the team’s best interest, with a focus on gearing up for the next match.”
Loss against India
His comments come amid widespread criticism from fans and the cricket community after the defending champions stumbled in their opening match against New Zealand, losing by 60 runs in Karachi, followed by a six-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India, which left them teetering on the edge of elimination.
Pakistan’s hopes for a semi-final spot hinged on Bangladesh defeating New Zealand, but the results did not favour them. As a result, Thursday’s match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi has been rendered inconsequential.
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Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of competitive domestic cricket and subpar pitch conditions, which critics argue have failed to adequately prepare players for the international arena.
Frequent changes within the cricket board, coaching staff, and selection committee have also been cited as detrimental to the sport in Pakistan.
Repeated failures
In addition to the players facing scrutiny, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has come under fire for the team’s underwhelming performance, with increasing calls for his removal due to “repeated failures.”
This is not the first time Pakistan has faltered on a grand stage.
In 2023, the national side managed to secure only four victories out of nine, finishing fifth in the ODI World Cup points table.
The Green Shirts also faced an early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, succumbing to defeats against both India and the United States.
