Aqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan, explained the reasons behind the exclusion of spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and middle-order batter Irfan Khan from the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Aqib Javed addressed the media in Rawalpindi on Wednesday ahead of tomorrow’s Champions Trophy clash against Bangladesh.
During the media conference, he was asked about the exclusion of young cricketers Irfan Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem from the squad.
In response, Aqib emphasized the importance of differentiating between performances in different formats, while highlighting the lack of ODI experience of both players.
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“We often mix T20I performances with ODIs and other formats,” he explained. “Irfan Khan has played only eight ODIs so far, and he hasn’t delivered any innings that made us feel we missed him or that he created a significant impact.”
Aqib Javed then provided a detailed breakdown of Sufiyan’s selection journey and clarified that he is still in the plans.
“We picked him based on his potential. He made his ODI debut in South Africa, and before that, he performed well in T20Is in Zimbabwe, which earned him a spot on the South Africa tour,” he added.
“But the reality is, he has played only one ODI so far, hasn’t played many List A matches, and hasn’t even made his first-class debut yet.
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“We rested Abrar Ahmed from the last ODI against South Africa to ensure he [Sufiyan Muqeem] at least got a game. We brought him in ourselves, and we know exactly where and how to utilize him in the future.”
Notably, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan have crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the group stage after consecutive defeats against New Zealand and India.
The Green Shirts will now face Bangladesh in their final group-stage match on February 27 in Rawalpindi, but the result will have no bearing on their campaign.
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