Recently appointed as Pakistan’s national selector and interim white-ball head coach, Aaqib Javed has brushed aside concerns about his dual responsibilities, emphasizing his focus on preparing for the ICC Champions Trophy.
“Experience Makes the Difference”
Speaking to the media at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, Aaqib highlighted his two decades of coaching experience as the foundation for balancing both roles.
- Selection Process:
“As a selector, we always consult the captain and coach before finalizing the team. The objective is to select the best team for Pakistan,” Aaqib said, addressing doubts about the dual role. - Consistency in Selection:
Aaqib noted that the teams for the Multan Test against England and the three-match ODI series in Australia underwent no major changes, reinforcing his confidence in the process.
Criticism of Dual Roles in the Past
Interestingly, Aaqib himself had previously criticized similar dual roles held by Misbah-ul-Haq and Wahab Riaz, though he now believes his extensive coaching background equips him to handle the dual responsibility effectively.
Recent Success and Focus on ODIs
Aaqib credited his leadership for Pakistan’s strong comeback against England in the Test series and a historic ODI series win in Australia after 22 years.
- Focus on Champions Trophy:
“Our main focus will remain on ODI cricket, and you will see more changes in the T20 team since the next T20 World Cup is far away,” he said. - Babar, Shaheen, and Naseem Exclusion:
Aaqib’s decision to drop out-of-form players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah after the Multan Test proved pivotal for Pakistan’s Test series win.
Addressing Player Fitness and Performance
On Fakhar Zaman’s absence, Aaqib acknowledged his match-winning capabilities but cited ongoing fitness issues. He added that as soon as Fakhar regains fitness, he would be considered for national selection.
Regarding the recent T20 series in Australia, where Pakistan suffered a 3-0 defeat, Aaqib regretted missed opportunities and underscored the unforgiving nature of the T20 format.
Development of Young Talent
Aaqib highlighted the measured development of players like Saim Ayub, stating that his gradual improvement in Tests and ODIs would ultimately strengthen Pakistan’s lineup in all formats.
Conclusion: Aaqib remains optimistic about managing his dual responsibilities while preparing Pakistan for upcoming challenges, particularly the ICC Champions Trophy. His extensive experience and recent successes provide a strong foundation for the tasks ahead.
