Champions Trophy: Aqib Javed accepts responsibility for India loss

Pakistan Cricket Team’s Head Coach, Aqib Javed, addressed the media in a press conference, sharing his views on the team’s recent performance in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, especially in the high-stakes match against India.

He acknowledged the emotions tied to the clash and admitted that the players are more disappointed with the outcome than the nation is.

Performance against India

Aqib Javed stressed that Pakistan could have posted a better total, ideally around 280 runs, which might have changed the game’s dynamics. He highlighted that the difference between scoring 240 and 280 runs is significant, particularly in a crucial encounter like Pakistan vs. India. 

“This Indian team was highly experienced, having played around 150 matches collectively. Our squad had several new players who could not take the pressure,” he stated.

Injury concerns and team selection

The head coach revealed that Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, who make a positive impression on the game, suffered injuries, forcing changes in the team that caused losses. As a result, Khushdil Shah was included as the best replacement for Saim Ayub.

Khushdil Shah has performed in a year and a half, he said further, adding that no one has come close to the number of wickets he has claimed.

“Tayyab Tahir performed well in Zimbabwe and South Africa, while Niazi had only played one match before, with no remarkable innings. He played many matches, so it cannot be said that he was dropped despite his performance,” he explained, defending the team selection process. "The Pakistan team won the ODI series for the first time in South Africa." 

He emphasized that Pakistan’s squad was picked from the best available players. However, the lack of experience among the new players proved to be a challenge in the high-pressure encounter. "All the players had performed, which is why they were selected. As selectors, our job is to select players based on performance; there is no player in the national team who did not perform, yet was included in the team. Nobody works hard to lose." 

Senior players’ performance

Aqib Javed pointed out that senior players like Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah had specific roles, and expectations were high from them. 

“We had hopes from our senior players, and they failed to deliver, due to which the team lost. But you can’t just say they shouldn’t be in the team,” he remarked. Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen, he added, have played only 100 matches, while the younger players have not played more than 30. 

"Shaheen, Naseem, Haris are the best fast bowlers. It is always said that if the team loses, the players should be replaced," he said. Imamul Haq was re-inducted into the team, he said, adding that if new players are included in the team, there is definitely pressure. 

Handling pressure

The head coach admitted that Pakistani players struggled to handle pressure in crucial matches, especially against India.

“A Pakistan-India match is more than just a cricket game. It carries immense emotional weight. We need to improve our skills and adapt under pressure,” he added. 

The coach further admitted that the team didn't perform in Dubai, saying that skills take a back seat in an India-Pakistan match. “Whoever performs under pressure is successful. If we hadn’t played against India, we wouldn't be regretting so much today,” Aqib Javed remarked.

He also addressed speculation about disagreements between him and the team captain, firmly stating, “There was no conflict between the coach and captain. We worked together to select the best available team.”

Future of Pakistan cricket

Discussing the future, Aqib Javed acknowledged the need for consistency and policy stability in Pakistan cricket.

“In the last four to five years, there have been multiple changes in the cricket board. Until a long-term policy remains in place, it’s difficult to build a strong foundation,” he explained.

He accepted responsibility for the loss, saying, “I do not look for jobs. I will leave when I'm not needed.”

Looking Ahead

Aqib Javed concluded on a positive note, emphasizing that Pakistan must continue preparing for upcoming matches.

“We cannot dwell on the past. We must focus on the future and work on our shortcomings. The journey of Pakistan-India mega events is long, and we will keep improving,” he asserted.