The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently appointed Aaqib Javed as the interim head coach for white-ball cricket, following the premature conclusion of Gary Kirsten’s tenure and Jason Gillespie’s short stint against Australia. Alongside his coaching duties, Aaqib Javed also serves as a selector, a role that has recently put him under scrutiny.
Amid speculation, Javed has been accused of sidelining Babar Azam from Pakistan’s T20 squad during the star batter’s lean patch. However, the former Test pacer has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that the team’s focus remains on performance and preparation for future tournaments.
Aaqib Javed Sets the Record Straight on Babar Azam
Javed dismissed claims of targeting Babar Azam or other senior players, emphasizing their importance to Pakistan cricket.
“Cricket is not about individuals; it’s about the team,”
Javed stated.
“Everyone saw how Babar performed in Australia. We are not targeting anyone. Players like Babar, Rizwan, and Fakhar have vast experience and have delivered in crucial moments. Our goal as selectors is simple: we want Pakistan to win.”
He added that while Babar remains a key figure, the current focus is on finalizing the squad for the Champions Trophy and building a strong ODI lineup.
Prioritizing Youth and Expanding Pakistan’s Talent Pool
Javed also addressed the team’s strategy to integrate fresh talent, highlighting the importance of developing a broader pool of players.
“We’re giving opportunities to younger players because having a larger pool gives us more flexibility. T20 cricket demands aggression from the first ball, but ODIs allow players some time to settle,”
he explained.
Despite the push for modernization, Javed cautioned against overemphasizing strike rates in T20 cricket, suggesting that “game awareness” is where Pakistan needs to improve.
“Conditions and pitches change constantly, and players need to adapt. The strike rate will follow once they develop better game awareness,”
he concluded.
Babar, Rizwan, and Shaheen See Drops in ICC Men’s T20I Rankings
A Balancing Act for Pakistan’s Future
Under Javed’s interim leadership, Pakistan seems committed to balancing experience with youth, ensuring readiness for both immediate and long-term challenges. While the speculation surrounding Babar Azam continues to swirl, Javed’s statements underline the team’s focus on collective success over individual performances.
With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s evolving squad and their ability to deliver under Javed’s stewardship.
