Aqib Javed, the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team, believes that the national team can replicate their success from the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and successfully defend the title in the upcoming 2025 edition.
Pakistan came from behind to win the Champions Trophy 2017, under the leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed, after defeating arch-rivals India in the final.
In a recent episode of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Podcast, Aqib passionately articulated his belief in Pakistan’s ability to defend their title on home soil.
He emphasized the significance of the upcoming tri-nation series featuring South Africa and New Zealand, highlighting how this series will serve as crucial preparation for the team as they gear up for the highly anticipated mega-event.
“Tri-nation [series] before the Champions Trophy is a good opportunity and it is against major teams,” said Aqib. “So, it will help clear a couple of doubts in the decision-making process.”
“Champions Trophy in Pakistan, in front of our fans, we are very excited and I think, Pakistan can repeat that. We are still the defending champions,” he added.
The former fast bowler elaborated on his vision to broaden the selection of players, aiming to implement a rotational policy.
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“The way cricket is evolving, we will have to increase our players’ pool. For that, you need to take brave decisions sometimes,” said Aqib Javed.
“You can’t carry a player for 12 months. So, we have to develop not entirely but to some extent different teams for red-ball and white-ball cricket so that the players remain fresh and interested.
“So, gaps are essential and I noticed when players stay in a match mood, they do not even get the time to improve their personal skills; be it physical or technical.
“The strive would be to give them four to six weeks of rest after three months so that they can work on their skills, and regain physical fitness because our focus is how to carry them for 10 to 12 years at the top.”
It’s worth noting that the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will kick off on 19 February with host and defending champions Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser in Karachi.
Meanwhile, the season finale is scheduled on 9 March in Lahore, unless India qualify, in which case it will be played in Dubai.
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