Tag: Aqib Javed

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the appointment of former Test fast bowler Aqib Javed as the Director High-Performance.

Javed recently served as Pakistan’s interim head coach for all formats until the tour of New Zealand in April.

He was initially appointed as the interim head coach for white-ball formats, but was also given responsibilities for the red-ball side during the tour of South Africa.

“To strengthen our cricket infrastructure, we are pleased to welcome Aqib Javed as the Director of High Performance,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

“His appointment, alongside Mike Hesson as the white-ball Head Coach, marks a significant step forward in our strategic vision for Pakistan Cricket.

“Together, their expertise and leadership will play a pivotal role in the development, evolution and success of our national setup.”

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It’s worth noting that Aqib Javed represented Pakistan in 22 Tests and 163 ODIs from 1988 to 1998.

In addition to his recent role as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, he previously served as the bowling coach during Pakistan’s successful campaign in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2009.

Last year, he worked with the Sri Lanka men’s team as their bowling coach.

Before that, he oversaw the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as they earned ODI status and qualified for the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia during his tenure as head coach.

Furthermore, he was the coach of Pakistan’s Under-19 team when they won the U19 World Cup in 2004.

READ: Mike Hesson appointed as white-ball head coach of Pakistan

Aqib Javed, the interim head coach of Pakistan, explained the reasons behind the exclusion of star batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.

Aqib, accompanied by newly appointed T20I captain Salman Ali Agha, announced two separate white-ball squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand in Lahore today.

He announced that Rizwan would continue to lead the ODI team, but he was replaced by Salman in the T20I team, with Shadab Khan serving as the vice-captain. Meanwhile, Babar also retained his place in the ODI side.

During the press conference, Aqib Javed was asked about the exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I team.

In response, he clarified that no player has been permanently sidelined; rather, the current focus is on developing a new mindset within the T20I team.

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“Look, this is never the case that a player is completely ruled out. [But] right now, we feel that we need to bring in young blood into the team and change our style of play and mindset,” said Aqib.

He further explained how several teams have completely separated their T20I and ODI squads, and Pakistan is looking to adopt a similar approach.

“If you look at other teams, many have kept their T20I squads entirely separate [from ODIs],” he added.

“Our aim is to maintain a core group of 24-25 players leading up to the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup 2026, ensuring that we don’t go beyond this player pool and approach these tournaments with a specific mindset.”

For the unversed, Mohammad Rizwan was appointed Pakistan’s white-ball captain in October 2024, but his tenure as T20I skipper was short-lived as he led the team in just five T20Is, losing all of them.

Pakistan squads for New Zealand tour

ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr., Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir.

T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan (wk).

READ: PCB provides major update on Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub’s injuries

Pakistan’s left-arm fast bowler Rumman Raees has addressed the remarks made by interim head coach Aqib Javed regarding the national team’s lack of experience after their early elimination from the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Raees, a key member of the 2017 winning team, criticized Javed’s remarks that the current squad lacks experience, particularly after the team’s disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

Ahead of the Men in Green’s last group match against the Bangladesh, Aqib Javed commented on the team’s lack of experience following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the marquee event.

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Aqib Javed attributed the omission of young players Sufiyan Muqeem and Muhammad Irfan Khan due to inexperience in international cricket.

Raees pointed out that the squad that won the Champions Trophy for Pakistan also featured a degree of inexperience, highlighting that he and Fakhar Zaman made their international debuts in that same tournament.

“It’s not valid to use inexperience as an excuse,” Raees remarked.

“I made my ODI debut in the semi-final, and Fakhar Zaman was part of that same team. When you compare the 2017 Champions Trophy team to today’s squad, you’ll see that the current players have had fewer matches under their belts.” he said.

He highlighted that only a few players were experienced in the 2017 winning squad.

“The only players with significant experience back then were Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Amir, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Junaid Khan,” he said.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Rumman Raees stressed the importance of building a team around core players and pointed out that expecting every squad member to have extensive experience is unrealistic.

“A successful team is always centered around key players; you can’t expect all 11 players to have played 100 ODIs,” Raees concluded.

READ: Virat Kohli eyes major milestones against New Zealand in Champions Trophy

Pakistan interim head coach, Aqib Javed, has dismissed the notion of making wholesale changes to the national team following their disastrous ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Addressing the media in Rawalpindi, Aqib pointed out how fans often look for a singular reason behind defeats but emphasized that losses are a collective team effort.

“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.

Aqib Javed defended the squad, expressing his belief that this was Pakistan’s best available team.

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

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“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 Javed also reminded critics that this same group of players had achieved historic victories 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.”

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

Despite Pakistan’s struggles in the Champions Trophy, Aqib believes the team is improving overall.

“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 concluded.

Notably, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan have crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the group stage after consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India.

The Green Shirts will now face Bangladesh in their final group-stage match on February 27 in Rawalpindi, but the result will have no bearing on their campaign.

READ: Aqib Javed explains Irfan Khan, Sufiyan Muqeem’s exclusion from Champions Trophy squad

Aqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan, explained the reasons behind the exclusion of spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and middle-order batter Irfan Khan from the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Aqib Javed addressed the media in Rawalpindi on Wednesday ahead of tomorrow’s Champions Trophy clash against Bangladesh.

During the media conference, he was asked about the exclusion of young cricketers Irfan Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem from the squad.

In response, Aqib emphasized the importance of differentiating between performances in different formats, while highlighting the lack of ODI experience of both players.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

“We often mix T20I performances with ODIs and other formats,” he explained. “Irfan Khan has played only eight ODIs so far, and he hasn’t delivered any innings that made us feel we missed him or that he created a significant impact.”

Aqib Javed then provided a detailed breakdown of Sufiyan’s selection journey and clarified that he is still in the plans.

“We picked him based on his potential. He made his ODI debut in South Africa, and before that, he performed well in T20Is in Zimbabwe, which earned him a spot on the South Africa tour,” he added.

“But the reality is, he has played only one ODI so far, hasn’t played many List A matches, and hasn’t even made his first-class debut yet.

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“We rested Abrar Ahmed from the last ODI against South Africa to ensure he [Sufiyan Muqeem] at least got a game. We brought him in ourselves, and we know exactly where and how to utilize him in the future.”

Notably, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan have crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the group stage after consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India.

The Green Shirts will now face Bangladesh in their final group-stage match on February 27 in Rawalpindi, but the result will have no bearing on their campaign.

READ: Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan suffer decline in ICC ODI Rankings

DUBAI: Pakistan interim head coach Aqib Javed has hinted at the team’s balance ahead of the much-anticipated clash against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played tomorrow here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

While addressing the media at a press conference, Aqib emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper mix of pacers and spinners against the arch-rivals.

“The Pakistan team is well balanced, and you will not see any major changes in the playing XI.”

“We have a specialist spinner along with Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman. We have to balance our team; It’s not like we can play five spinners, and we cannot see any pitches offering excessive turn for the spinners,” said Aqib.

The former pacer highlighted the importance of mindset and handling pressure, particularly for young players ahead of the blockbuster match against India in the Champions Trophy 2025.

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“The environment is very important. If you tell young players that pressure exists but it’s just a match, go out and show your talent and forget the result, it makes a difference,” he explained.

Aqib Javed further emphasized the fear of losing and the outcomes of the result.

“There’s always a fear, what if we lose? Nothing happens. Play with courage, and everyone will understand the result in eight hours,” he remarked.

The interim head coach also highlighted the much-anticipated rivalry between Pakistan and India.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

“Whether it’s after winning 10 matches or losing six, the excitement of Pakistan-India match remains the same,” he stated.

When asked about Pakistan’s team’s ability to play modern-day cricket in the T20 era, he said it depends on the mindset.

“It’s all about the mindset, how you assess the conditions, the crowd and the pitch. Are they similar to what we have in Pakistan, or are they slightly different? We will play accordingly,” said Aqib.

 

READ: Champions Trophy: Former captain calls for Imam-Kamran opening pair for India clash

Pakistan interim head coach Aqib Javed has downplayed the threat posed by star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the high-octane clash between the arch-rivals in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

Bumrah, the spearhead of the Indian pace attack, is widely regarded as a formidable asset across all formats of cricket.

Currently, he is grappling with a back spasm that has unfortunately led to his omission from India’s squad for the ODI series against England.

The significance of Bumrah’s absence is underscored by reports from Indian media, which suggest that his recovery may also hinder his participation in the forthcoming Champions Trophy, casting a shadow over India’s bowling strength.

In light of the current situation, Aqib Javed, the interim coach of the Pakistan national cricket team, has expressed his views on Bumrah’s potential participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 and how Pakistan intends to strategize against him.

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“They [India] should be worried about Bumrah’s fitness. When you play in the Champions Trophy, the most beautiful thing about it is you can’t take any team lightly,” said Aqib.

“The top eight best teams are playing. If any team has a bowler like Bumrah, it is a plus point. But it is not like we will plan everything around him.”

Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma said that the side was waiting update on Jasprit Bumrah’s scans as he was left out of the Playing XI for the first ODI against England

“Jasprit [Bumrah], obviously we’re waiting on some update about his scan, which is due to happen in the next few days,” he stated.

“We’re just waiting on that update, which is going to happen in the next few days, the scan. Then, probably we’ll have a little more clarity about his participation in the last ODI.”

READ: PCB to unveil Champions Trophy 2025 jersey on THIS date

LAHORE: Pakistan interim head coach Aqib Javed defended the selection of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the national team’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday.

While addressing the media ahead of the Pakistan team’s second practice session, Aqib revealed the thought process behind the selection of the above-mentioned players.

Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah, who had previously played in the ODI format in September 2023 and August 2022, made their comebacks to the national ODI team for the Champions Trophy.

The decision was questioned by former cricket players, and their unexpected selection sparked a social media outcry from fans.

“Criticism regarding Faheem Ashraf’s selection is their opinion, and we respect that. However, we believe in his potential and contribution to the team,” said Aqib.

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“Khushdil Shah’s batting technique is currently at its peak, his name was discussed before the visit to Australia.”

”He was added to the team because we needed an all-round player to cover for Saim Ayub, who could not be replaced by an opening batsman,” explained the head coach.

Discussing the team’s combination, Aqib confirmed that Pakistan usually fields only one specialist spinner in the playing XI unless an injury forces a change.

“If there’s an injury concern, we can immediately bring in a replacement, Saim’s injury posed challenges for the selection committee, and Abrar Ahmed’s presence limited opportunities for Sufiyan Muqeem, given the team’s strategy of using just one spinner,” he added.

Aqib Javed also revealed that while Aamir Jamal hasn’t played ODIs yet, he was considered for selection but didn’t make the final cut.

The head coach also shared his insights about the evolution of the game and the need to score 300 runs.

“Cricket has become faster over the past three to four years, and scoring 300 runs is now a routine achievement without needing to alter the batting approach significantly,” said Aqib.

He also shed light on the importance of scenario-based matches and practising on centre wicket.

“Playing on the centre wicket provides a more match-like environment, which is a common practice worldwide,” Aqib explained.

The head coach concluded by expressing enthusiasm for the Champions Trophy, noting that it will feature the world’s best teams, offering Pakistan a platform to prove their mettle on the global stage.

READ: ICC reveals match officials for Champions Trophy 2025

MULTAN: Pakistan interim head coach Aqib Javed on Friday defended the formula of using spin-friendly pitches in the home series ahead of the second Test against West Indies, starting here tomorrow.

Pakistan won the first Test before tea on the third day as spinners Sajid Khan grabbed 5-50 and Abrar Ahmed finished with 4-27 to dismiss the West Indies for 123 after setting a 251-run target.

The Test lasted fewer than eight sessions on a dry and grassless Multan Stadium pitch, with spinners taking 34 of the 40 wickets to fall.

Pakistan bowled just one over of pace in the match, which resulted in criticism over the strategy to make spin-friendly pitches.

Nevertheless, Aqib Javed defended the approach of creating spin-friendly pitches, highlighting the significance of leveraging home advantage for victory.

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“I’ve been hearing a lot, and people are commenting on where our Test cricket is heading,” said Aqib during a press conference. “If these decisions had been made earlier in Test cricket, we might have been in the race for the WTC final.”

The former pacer also highlighted pace-friendly pitches in countries outside Asia, where conditions are challenging for batters.

“We played in South Africa and didn’t field a spinner there due to the conditions. Similarly, pitches in Australia and England favor pace bowlers,” he stated.

“Every country prepares pitches according to their advantage to win matches. I don’t understand the problem with spin-friendly wickets.

“If pace bowlers take wickets, people say cricket is progressing, but if spinners take wickets, they say cricket is going backwards. I don’t understand this.”

Pakistan squad for the West Indies Tests

Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, and Salman Ali Agha.

READ: Three Indians named in Pat Cummins-led ICC Test Team of the Year 2024

Aqib Javed, the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, believes that the national team can replicate their success from the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and successfully defend the title in the upcoming 2025 edition.

Pakistan came from behind to win the Champions Trophy 2017, under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed, after defeating arch-rivals India in the final.

In a recent episode of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Podcast, Aqib passionately articulated his belief in Pakistan’s ability to defend their title on home soil.

He emphasized the significance of the upcoming tri-nation series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, highlighting how this series will serve as crucial preparation for the team as they gear up for the highly anticipated mega-event.

“Tri-nation [series] before the Champions Trophy is a good opportunity and it is against major teams,” said Aqib. “So, it will help clear a couple of doubts in the decision-making process.”

“Champions Trophy in Pakistan, in front of our fans, we are very excited and I think, Pakistan can repeat that. We are still the defending champions,” he added.

The former fast bowler elaborated on his vision to broaden the selection of players, aiming to implement a rotational policy.

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“The way cricket is evolving, we will have to increase our players’ pool. For that, you need to take brave decisions sometimes,” said Aqib Javed.

“You can’t carry a player for 12 months. So, we have to develop not entirely but to some extent different teams for red-ball and white-ball cricket so that the players remain fresh and interested.

“So, gaps are essential and I noticed when players stay in a match mood, they do not even get the time to improve their personal skills; be it physical or technical.

“The strive would be to give them four to six weeks of rest after three months so that they can work on their skills, and regain physical fitness because our focus is how to carry them for 10 to 12 years at the top.”

It’s worth noting that the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi.

Meanwhile, the season finale is scheduled on 9 March in Lahore, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.

READ: Ravi Shastri expects Rohit Sharma to ‘pull plug’ on Test career