Interim head coach Aqib Javed has attributed Pakistan’s early exit from the Champions Trophy to the team’s inexperience. The squad faced consecutive defeats: a 60-run loss to New Zealand in Karachi and a six-wicket defeat to India in Dubai, leading to their elimination from the tournament they were hosting.
In a press conference ahead of Pakistan’s final group match against Bangladesh, Javed highlighted the disparity in experience between Pakistan and their rivals. He noted that while India’s team collectively boasts around 1,500 matches, Pakistan’s players have less than 400 combined appearances. Javed emphasized that only Babar Azam has played over 100 matches, with Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi following, while the rest have fewer than 30 games each.
Javed stressed that matches against India carry significant pressure, requiring seasoned players to navigate effectively. He expressed hope that with time and exposure, the younger players would gain the necessary experience to perform better in high-stakes situations.
Despite the early exit, Javed defended the team’s composition, suggesting that the current lineup holds promise for future tournaments. He called for patience from fans and critics, urging them to support the team’s development and growth.
As Pakistan prepares to face Bangladesh in their final group match, the focus shifts to rebuilding and learning from the challenges faced during the tournament.
