Interim head coach Aqib Javed has attributed Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to the fast bowlers’ failure to meet expectations.
Speaking to the media, Aqib emphasized the lack of bowling pressure, particularly in the team’s defeats against India.
He pointed out that conditions in Karachi and Dubai, which are conducive to reverse swing, were not fully exploited by Pakistan’s pacers.
Aqib revealed he had advised Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi to refine their skills in this area.
The former pacer acknowledged that Pakistan traditionally beat India by taking wickets but felt the current squad faltered under the pressure.
He also noted that consecutive losses to India, including in last year’s T20 World Cup and this Champions Trophy, had intensified criticism of the team.
Aqib urged patience, arguing that players should not be judged solely on one or two series.
He highlighted Pakistan’s promise in earlier ODI series against Australia and South Africa but conceded that selections had not gone as planned.
Aqib explained that dropping Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for the New Zealand T20Is was part of a strategy to foster a fearless approach ahead of the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup.
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign ended with two defeats and an abandoned match, making them the first team eliminated from the tournament.