Pakistan's interim head coach, Aaqib Javed, refuted claims of having "scolded" the team's batters for their lack of aggression during the Champions Trophy 2025 matches against New Zealand and India. Following defeats in both matches, which resulted in Pakistan's elimination from the tournament, the team's top and middle order's insufficient intent was identified as a significant factor. Despite media reports suggesting that Javed expressed strong criticism towards the batters after their disappointing performances, he firmly denied these assertions.

Javed emphasized that he does not subscribe to the practice of reprimanding or berating players. His focus is on fostering improvement. "I do not scold the players at all. In our culture, it is common for teachers and coaches to reprimand and chastise. I do not believe in this approach. I hold respect for the players. My aim is to assist them in their development. I am not one to scold or criticize," Javed stated to reporters prior to Pakistan's final Group A match against Bangladesh.

When questioned about Pakistan's scoring rate, which proved detrimental in the tournament, Javed remarked that players should not enter matches with a fixed target, as conditions can significantly influence performance.

"We often complicate matters – similar to the T20 World Cup – where a target of 220 seemed unattainable while we struggled to reach 120. In terms of overall performance, we managed scores of 150 and 125; there was no necessity to aim for 250. Therefore, we must enhance our game, and this requires consistency," he explained.

Javed asserted that achieving results necessitates consistency across all levels, from the cricket board to management and players. "There must be consistency within the cricket board and in every facet of the game. Over the past four to five years, numerous changes have occurred within the Cricket Board. Without allowing a policy to be implemented over the long term, achieving consistency will be challenging. We often compare players to those from other teams; however, the same scrutiny should apply to the board. Without consistency and a long-term policy, progress will remain difficult," he concluded.

‘Players are hurt and they are sorry’: Javed on Pakistan's early exit

This marks the third consecutive ICC tournament in which Pakistan has not progressed beyond the group stage. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, they secured a fifth-place finish and were eliminated from the group stage after a defeat to the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup, and have now failed to reach the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.

"There are no justifications, nor should there be any. If you observe this team, prior to the match, we all remain optimistic and support them. However, when the team competes and does not achieve the desired outcomes, the players who underperform will undoubtedly feel the most disappointment. It is clear that they are also affected; they share in the regret. The message to the nation is that we can strive to enhance our team. There is no alternative solution," Javed stated.

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