DUBAI: Pakistan interim head coach Aqib Javed has hinted at the team’s balance ahead of the much-anticipated clash against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played tomorrow here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
While addressing the media at a press conference, Aqib emphasized the importance of maintaining a proper mix of pacers and spinners against the arch-rivals.
“The Pakistan team is well balanced, and you will not see any major changes in the playing XI.”
“We have a specialist spinner along with Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman. We have to balance our team; It’s not like we can play five spinners, and we cannot see any pitches offering excessive turn for the spinners,” said Aqib.
The former pacer highlighted the importance of mindset and handling pressure, particularly for young players ahead of the blockbuster match against India in the Champions Trophy 2025.
“The environment is very important. If you tell young players that pressure exists but it’s just a match, go out and show your talent and forget the result, it makes a difference,” he explained.
Aqib Javed further emphasized the fear of losing and the outcomes of the result.
“There’s always a fear, what if we lose? Nothing happens. Play with courage, and everyone will understand the result in eight hours,” he remarked.
The interim head coach also highlighted the much-anticipated rivalry between Pakistan and India.
“Whether it’s after winning 10 matches or losing six, the excitement of Pakistan-India match remains the same,” he stated.
When asked about Pakistan’s team’s ability to play modern-day cricket in the T20 era, he said it depends on the mindset.
“It’s all about the mindset, how you assess the conditions, the crowd and the pitch. Are they similar to what we have in Pakistan, or are they slightly different? We will play accordingly,” said Aqib.
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