Pakistan’s interim head coach and national selector Aaqib Javed acknowledged on Wednesday that the absence of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman due to injuries significantly affected the team’s performance in the Champions Trophy.
Despite being eliminated from semi-finals contention, Aaqib confirmed the team remains determined to conclude their tournament positively. The squad faces Bangladesh in their final group match in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
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“There is no worry about lack of motivation for the players,” he said.
Addressing criticism over team selection, Aaqib maintained that they had chosen the most qualified players available. The squad has faced substantial criticism from various quarters regarding its composition.
He pointed out that the current team largely resembled the successful squad that had secured ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa prior to the Champions Trophy, with only three alterations.
“Certain players who are crucial for the team in specific games were missing. For example, players like Saim and Fakhar create a positive impact in matches. When they are unavailable, we have to select the team accordingly,” he said.
Aaqib highlighted that people often confuse T20 and ODI performances. He noted that Pakistan-India matches involve multiple variables, and while supporters feel emotional distress, the players experience even greater disappointment.
Following Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillispie’s departures, Aaqib’s temporary coaching role concludes after the Bangladesh match, though he retains his selection committee position pending PCB’s future decisions.
