'No Lack Of Motivation': Aaqib Javed On Pakistan's Final Game In Champions Trophy 2025
Pakistan's interim coach, Aaqib Javed feels that the side remain motivated as ever to deliver in their final game of the Champions Trophy. He also revealed the negative impact of injuries to his side.
Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aaqib Javed revealed that the loss of both Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman had a negative impact on the side’s campaign in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He also suggested that the side has no shortage of motivation ahead of their final game against Bangladesh.
The hosts, suffered big blows before and during the tournament when they lost out on Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman due to injuries, hampering their opening pair ahead of the ICC tournament. Pakistan is now out of the tournament after losing two games in the group stages to New Zealand and India respectively. With one game left, Javed emphasised how Pakistan remain motivated to close out their campaign on a positive note.
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“There is no worry about lack of motivation for the players," he said.
With regards to the squad selection, Javed maintained his stance considering that there were only three changes to the side that won the ODI series against Australia, South Africa and Zimbabwe earlier.
“Certain players who are crucial for the team in specific games were missing. For example, players like Saim and Fakhar create a positive impact in matches. When they are unavailable, we have to select the team accordingly," he said.
He also said that fans and experts tend to mix up T20 and ODI performances.
“Many factors influence a Pakistan and India match and while fans are emotionally hurt the players feel hurt, disappointed and upset even more."
As far as Javed’s time as the coach is concerned, his tenure comes to an end after the Bangladesh game. He came in after the resignations of Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie. He will continue to be a member of the selection committee until the PCB decides otherwise.
It remains to be seen if Pakistan can whip up an improved performance to give the home crowd something to look forward to after a horrendous display in the previous two games. The game against India saw Pakistan being dominated on all fronts, leading to criticisms from several former players. The board will be under pressure to get some changes in after the tournament and ensure that Pakistan cricket is back on track.
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