Interim head coach and de facto chief selector Aqib Javed has pointed to the Pakistan team’s inexperience as the key reason for their early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Rawalpindi ahead of Pakistan’s final group-stage match against Bangladesh, Javed acknowledged the team’s shortcomings following their six-wicket loss to India in Dubai. That defeat sealed Pakistan’s fate in the tournament they were hosting, following an earlier 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi.
India and New Zealand progressed to the semi-finals from Pakistan’s group, having secured victories over both Bangladesh and the Green Shirts.
Lack of Experience Cost Pakistan
When asked about the primary difference between Pakistan and India in ICC events, Javed highlighted the disparity in experience.
“We lost against them (India), but when there is a lack of experience and the pressure gets to you, it’s difficult for the new guys to tackle that,” he said.
He explained that the Indian squad had a collective experience of nearly 1,500 international matches, whereas Pakistan’s entire squad had played fewer than 400.
“Babar Azam is the only one who has played more than 100 games, followed by Mohammed Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, while the rest have played less than 30 games,” he noted.
Javed pointed out that players like Tayyab Tahir and Khushdil Shah had only played eight and 15 matches, respectively, further illustrating Pakistan’s inexperience at the highest level.
Playing for Pride Against Bangladesh
With Pakistan already eliminated, Javed emphasized that the team was motivated to end their campaign on a high note against Bangladesh.
“There are no excuses, there shouldn’t be any in life, but I can assure you that the players are more hurt than the fans and want to leave a mark in the last game,” he said.
Despite the disappointing campaign, Javed reminded fans of Pakistan’s recent successes, including historic ODI series wins in Australia and South Africa before the Champions Trophy.
“This is the Champions Trophy, where the eight best teams are playing, so after two defeats we have to start from zero,” he stated. “Every game is played for pride, so we want to leave a mark on Thursday.”
Pakistan-India Rivalry and Fast-Bowlers Under Fire
Acknowledging the emotional weight of a Pakistan-India clash, Javed admitted the loss to their arch-rivals was particularly painful for fans.
“People are more involved in a Pakistan-India match and do not accept a defeat against India. That defeat in Dubai has left them more dejected,” he said.
Defending his struggling bowling attack, Javed backed Pakistan’s pace trio—Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf—despite criticism over their performance.
“People blamed two, three players, which is not correct,” he asserted. “If you assess Shaheen, Naseem, and Haris, they are still the best bowlers in the world.”
As Pakistan prepares to bow out of the Champions Trophy, the focus now shifts to how the team can rebuild with more experienced players to compete at the highest level in future tournaments.
