Pakistan’s interim head coach Aaqib Javed pointed out that Pakistan’s poor showing in the 2025 Champions Trophy was due, in part, to the failure of the fast bowlers to meet expectations.
“The two places you get the most reverse swing are Karachi and Dubai and unfortunately this was something our bowlers couldn’t do. I have spoken to Haris Rauf and Shaheen and asked them to go back to work on their skillset,” he said.
Aaqib also attributed Pakistan’s losses to India to insufficient bowling pressure, stating that they are losing to India because the bowlers are not doing enough.
“In the past we have always beaten India by taking wickets and applying pressure. This team had the ability to beat India but the pressure of the match got to them.
“It is never easy playing against India. It is always a high-pressure game and it is never easy for new players.”
Aaqib felt that in the last T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy the defeats to India only increased the criticism on the team and players.
“I can understand the hurt and frustration at our failure but we need to understand neither can you judge a player or team on basis one or two series. You need to be more consistent and patient,” he said.
He pointed out that Pakistan had done well to win ODI series in Australia and South Africa before the Champions Trophy.
“But yes our selections didn’t come through as we thought they would and we must accept New Zealand and India were more balanced and confident.”
