'We selected the best available team'; Aqib Javed defends players

Pakistan cricket team's head coach Aqib Javed has come forward in support of the players amid raging criticism over their performance in Champions Trophy 2025. 

Speaking at a press conference in Rawalpindi on Wednesday, he said, "Pakistan selected the best available team, but the performances did not meet expectations, which is a fact."

He further clarified, "There are no excuses in cricket. Before every match, the team remains hopeful, and we support them. The players themselves are disappointed with their performance. The nation should believe that the team put in its best effort. The emotions in a Pakistan vs India match are always different."

Commenting on the Pakistan-India match, Aqib Javed said, "Had Pakistan managed to score around 300, it could have been a good contest. When there isn't a strong total on the board, the bowlers have to be more aggressive, and that's what happened with us."

He also highlighted the absence of key players, saying, "Impact players are crucial in big matches. The absence of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman made a difference because both of them had the ability to change the game. Sufiyan Muqeem and Irfan Niazi didn't have enough exposure in ODI cricket, which added to the pressure."

Explaining the selection strategy, Aqib Javed said, "In ODIs, a combination of seven batters and four bowlers is usually played. Since Saim Ayub could contribute with a few overs as well, Khushdil Shah was included in the squad as an alternative."

Defending the fast bowlers, Aqib Javed said, "A bowling attack, consisting of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf is among the best. You won't find such an attack in any team around the world."

However, he also acknowledged the challenges they faced, stating, "When scores of 350 are being made in almost every match, these same bowlers are bound to concede runs."

The head coach stated, "Not too long ago, this very team defeated Australia in a series, but as soon as we lost to India, criticism began, which is unfair."

He further added, "If you look at the records of the players in the team, they clearly show that there is plenty of talent. However, I do admit that in the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy, we couldn't play the kind of cricket that was needed."

Addressing criticism over Sufiyan Muqeem's exclusion, he said, "People are asking why Sufiyan Muqeem wasn't included, but the reality is that the boy has no first-class career. We gave him a chance, and he played just one match, yet now it is being said that if he had played, we would have won."

Pakistan is out of the Champions Trophy 2025 after suffering a six-wicket loss to arch-rivals India in Dubai, following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening match in Karachi on February 19.