Aaqib Javed opposes major changes after Pakistan’s Champions Trophy exit

Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aqib Javed, has rejected calls for major changes in the national team following their early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.  

Speaking to the media before Pakistan’s final group match against Bangladesh, Aqib said that losses are a team effort and should not be blamed on just one or two players.  

“A common fan watching the match wants an explanation for why the team lost. But there’s no single reason or just one or two players to blame—the entire team lost,” he said.  

He defended the squad selection, saying that Pakistan played with its best available players.  

“Shaheen, Haris, and Naseem—everyone knows they are our best pacers and the future of Pakistan,” he said.  

“As for Babar Azam, tell me, who else is at his level right now? People keep saying to change the team entirely, but look at the experience level—except for Babar, no one in this squad has played 100 matches.  

“Yes, they have talent and past performances to back them up, but in recent games, they underperformed. That doesn’t mean they don’t belong in the team.”  

Aqib reminded critics that this same squad had achieved historic series wins in Australia and South Africa.  

“This is the same squad that won series in Australia and South Africa, creating history. We’ve already introduced several new players and are trying to build a stronger team,” he said.  

“Just because we lost doesn’t mean we should overhaul the squad and bring in an entire U19 team.”  

Despite Pakistan’s poor performance in the Champions Trophy, he believes the team is improving.  

“In my opinion, this team is already getting better and is heading in the right direction. But, unfortunately, we didn’t perform well in the Champions Trophy,” he said.  

Pakistan, despite being the tournament hosts and defending champions, was the first team to be eliminated after losses to New Zealand in the opening match and to India on February 23 in Dubai. The Champions Trophy 2025 will continue until March 9.