Interim head coach Aqib Javed has attributed the team’s underwhelming performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 to the fast bowlers’ inability to meet expectations.
Speaking to the media, Aqib reflected on Pakistan’s struggles, particularly against India, stressing that the lack of bowling pressure had been a decisive factor in their defeats.
He pointed out that conditions in Karachi and Dubai were usually conducive to reverse swing and that he had advised Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi to refine their skill sets in this area.
The former pacer admitted that Pakistan traditionally won against India by taking wickets but felt the current squad faltered under pressure.
He also noted that consecutive losses to India, both in last year’s T20 World Cup and the ongoing Champions Trophy, had intensified scrutiny on the team.
Aqib acknowledged that while the criticism was understandable, he urged patience, arguing that players should not be judged based on one or two series.
He pointed out that Pakistan had shown promise by winning ODI series in Australia and South Africa before the tournament but conceded that selections had not worked as planned.
Aqib explained that dropping Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the New Zealand T20Is aimed to instill a fearless approach before the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign ended in disappointment, as they became the first team to be eliminated despite hosting the tournament.
They suffered consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India before their final group-stage match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain.
