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Aqib Javed Blames Inexperience for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Exit
Interim head coach Aqib Javed cites lack of experience as the key reason behind Pakistan’s early Champions Trophy exit. Can the Green Shirts bounce back?
ND
by News Desk
2025-02-26
Aqib Javed Blames Inexperience for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Exit

Pakistan’s interim head coach and de facto chief selector Aqib Javed has pointed to a lack of experience among players as the primary reason for the team’s early elimination from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Rawalpindi ahead of Pakistan’s final game against Bangladesh, Javed acknowledged the team’s shortcomings after their six-wicket loss to India and a 60-run defeat to New Zealand.

“Lack of Experience Cost Us”

Javed highlighted the stark contrast between India’s seasoned squad and Pakistan’s relatively inexperienced lineup. “This Indian team has played almost 1,500 games collectively, while Pakistan is at the bottom with less than 400 matches,” he noted.

He emphasized that winning high-pressure matches, especially against arch-rivals India, requires significant experience. “Babar Azam is the only player with over 100 games, followed by Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The rest have played fewer than 30 games,” Javed explained.

He cited examples of Tayyab Tahir (8 matches) and Khushdil Shah (15 matches) to illustrate the team’s lack of exposure to high-stakes cricket.

“Players Are More Hurt Than Fans”

Javed acknowledged the disappointment among fans but reassured them that the players were equally devastated. “There are no excuses, but I can assure you that the players are more hurt than the fans. They want to leave a mark in the last game,” he said.

He reminded everyone of Pakistan’s recent successes, including a historic ODI series win against Australia (2-1) in November and a 3-0 whitewash over South Africa, just before the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan vs. India: More Than Just a Game

Javed admitted that losing to India had been especially painful for fans. “A Pakistan-India match is more than cricket. People do not accept a defeat against India, and that loss in Dubai left them more dejected,” he said.

Analyzing the defeat, he pointed to Pakistan’s batting struggles. “We managed just 241 runs. Against a strong batting lineup, you need to attack for wickets, and in doing so, sometimes bowlers stray off line.”

Backing the Bowlers

As a former fast bowler himself, Javed defended Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, dismissing the criticism they received. “People blamed two or three players, which is unfair. If you assess Shaheen, Naseem, and Haris, they are still among the best bowlers in the world,” he stated.

Despite their Champions Trophy exit, Javed stressed the importance of ending on a high note. “Every game is played for pride, and we want to leave a mark against Bangladesh,” he concluded.

With Pakistan already eliminated, their final match against Bangladesh is now a battle for pride as they aim to finish the tournament on a positive note.

 
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