Aaqib Javed’s New Goals: Focus on Champions Trophy
Aaqib Javed’s Vision
Aaqib Javed, the new head coach of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team, says the team is focusing on getting ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Aaqib took over from Jason Gillespie, who was the interim coach when Pakistan won an ODI series against Australia.
Building a Strong Team
Before the tour of Zimbabwe, Aaqib talked about his goal to build a strong and stable team for the Champions Trophy. He wants to make sure the team is well-prepared for the upcoming tournament. “Our main focus right now is on ODI cricket ahead of the Champions Trophy,” Aaqib said at a press conference.
Giving New Players a Chance
Aaqib mentioned that they will make changes in the T20I format and give new players a chance during the Zimbabwe series. He believes it is important to give new players opportunities to improve the team’s bench strength. “If you don’t give new players chances, you’ll never improve your bench strength,” he explained.
Reflecting on Recent Success
Aaqib praised the team for their recent success under captain Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan won their first ODI series in over a decade in Australia. “Australia has never been an easy tour. When the team went, if we had said we were going to win the series, people would have thought it impossible. Under the new captain, they showed the world they could do it after 22 years,” Aaqib added.
Pakistan’s Zimbabwe Tour
Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe will include three ODIs on November 24, 26, and 28, followed by three T20Is on December 1, 3, and 5. All matches will be played in Bulawayo.
ODI and T20I Squads
Pakistan’s ODI squad for Zimbabwe includes: Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, and Tayyab Tahir.
The T20I squad includes: Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Sufyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan.
Challenges in Hosting the Champions Trophy
There are challenges in hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 because the BCCI doesn’t want to send the Indian team to Pakistan, citing safety concerns. This has delayed the tournament schedule. The PCB is considering a hybrid model where some matches might be played in neutral places like the UAE, but Pakistan wants to host the entire tournament in their country.
Financial and Logistical Concerns
Cricket administrators emphasize the importance of India’s participation, given the significant following and revenue they bring. The PCB has been warned about the financial consequences if India withdraws from the event. There has been a delay in announcing the schedule due to the ongoing standoff between the two boards. The PCB agreed to a hybrid model for last year’s Asia Cup but is reluctant to take a similar approach for the Champions Trophy.
Wrap Up
Aaqib Javed’s focus on building a strong and stable ODI team shows Pakistan’s commitment to performing well in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the hosting of the tournament, Pakistan is determined to prepare thoroughly and compete at the highest level. Fans and cricket boards alike are eagerly awaiting the resolution of these issues and the exciting cricketing action that the Champions Trophy promises.