Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed has addressed the team’s disappointing exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 after consecutive defeats in the group stage. Their campaign ended with a six-wicket loss to arch-rivals India, a result that has sparked criticism from fans and experts alike.
Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s final group-stage match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, Javed acknowledged that the absence of key players, including Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, played a significant role in the team’s struggles.
“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 stated.
Pakistan’s batting lineup has faced intense scrutiny after failing to deliver in crucial matches against India and New Zealand. Javed admitted that Pakistan lacked the experience needed to compete against a formidable Indian squad.
“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 said.
The head coach also highlighted the imbalance in Pakistan’s squad, questioning the lack of dependable match-winners in the batting department apart from captain Babar Azam.
“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 questioned.
Pakistan’s early elimination has led to calls for major changes in both the squad and management. Javed acknowledged the emotional toll of the defeat, stating that the players are feeling the disappointment just as much as the fans.
“Many factors influence a Pakistan-India match, and while fans are emotionally hurt, the players feel hurt, disappointed, and upset even more,” he said.
With their Champions Trophy journey already over, Pakistan will look to end their campaign on a positive note against Bangladesh in their final group-stage match on Thursday.
