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LAHORE: Aqib Javed, the director of the High Performance Centre, has opened up on his recent conversations with senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan during the Skills Development Camp.
While speaking to the media on the final day of the camp, Aqib revealed that honest feedback was shared with both star players on how to raise their game.
He further stated that the focus wasn’t just on technical work, but also on clarity and self-assessment.
“We worked with both Babar and Rizwan and had honest discussions with them on how to enhance their game,” Aaqib said.
“You can’t fix everything in six days, but you can certainly point out areas that need work and get players thinking about where they stand.”
Aqib Javed explained that the initial focus was on helping players build connections with new coaches, while the latter stages catered to preparations for the Shaheens’ upcoming tour of Australia and the South Africa Test series.
“This was about keeping players engaged in the off-season, maintaining intensity, and getting them used to early morning routines again. Camps like this are essential if we want our players ready for the challenges ahead,” he said.
He also provided updates on key pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr., confirming that both have recovered from injuries and bowled regularly during the camp.
“Naseem had been struggling earlier, but now he’s back bowling full tilt. Wasim Jr. has also returned to rhythm,” he added.
When asked about the team’s overall preparation for major assignments like the ACC Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, he stated that Pakistan needs to aim for high-scoring, aggressive cricket.
“To win in modern-day white-ball cricket, you need to go past 200 regularly. We’re not looking at seniority—we’re looking at who fits the role best,” he said.
With two international series and a packed calendar ahead, Aqib reiterated that no spot is guaranteed and performance will be the only criterion.
“This camp was the beginning,” he concluded. “Now the real test is how much the players apply what they’ve been told.”
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