ICC Champions Trophy: Pakistan coach defends selection choices amid widespread criticism

Pakistan faced a harsh fate as the defending champions became the first team to be virtually eliminated from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The revival of the marquee event saw Pakistan endure significant challenges for the hosting rights. Their struggles included a long-standing tussle with India, which ultimately led to the tournament adopting a hybrid model. Next, they raced against time to ensure the timely renovation of the three venues earmarked for the Champions Trophy in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. However, once the tournament began, Pakistan suffered an early exit after consecutive losses against New Zealand and arch-rivals India in the group stage.

The performance of the Pakistan team has irked the entire nation, with the internet ablaze with criticism directed at the players and management. Moreover, former legends like Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar have torn into the team with scathing outbursts following the India vs Pakistan game. Akhtar and Akram also grilled the management for their selection decisions. Similar views were echoed by former Pakistan Women's team captain Sana Mir, who stated that she had predicted Pakistan's fate in the ICC Champions Trophy as soon as the squad was announced.

Aaqib Javed comes out in the clear after Pakistan's early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy

Pakistan’s early exit, that was confirmed on Monday after Bangladesh lost against New Zealand, has led to intense scrutiny. However, in his latest interaction, the interim head coach of Pakistan, Aaqib Javed has staunchly defended his squad. Addressing the media in Rawalpindi, Javed asserted that every selection was made on merit, even if the team fell short of expectations.

“Pakistan picked the best available team, but the performances haven’t matched expectations—that is a reality,” Javed admitted.

Interestingly, Pakistan’s Express Tribune reported a disagreement between Javed and captain Mohammad Rizwan regarding player choices. According to the report, Rizwan pushed for Khushdil Shah’s inclusion, while Javed initially preferred Faheem Ashraf. However, Shah was eventually added to the squad. During the press conference, Javed stood by the team’s composition, emphasizing that each player had been selected based on performance. He also addressed Pakistan’s over-reliance on Babar Azam, questioning the options available to replace Azam right now.

"Right now, apart from Babar Azam, what other options do we have," Javed queried.

Pakistan’s campaign suffered a major setback with a six-wicket loss to India, once again highlighting their struggles in high-pressure games. Reflecting on the defeat, Javed admitted that the team fell short of setting a competitive total against their arch-rivals. Additionally, he reiterated that the standard ODI strategy revolves around a combination of seven batsmen and four bowlers. The head coach, moreover, recounted that the injuries severely hit Pakistan's campaign in the marquee event. With Pakistan now eliminated, they will wrap up their tournament with a final match against Bangladesh at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

“The absence of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman was felt. Sufiyan Muqeem and Irfan Niazi lacked ODI exposure,” he said. The players are disappointed with their own performances. The nation must believe that the team is giving its all,” he stated.