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Aaqib Javed, while addressing a press conference ahead of Pakistan's group-stage clash against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025:
Pakistan's overall performance:
"Looking at the tournament as a whole, Pakistan's performance hasn't been consistently poor. We've been involved in high-scoring games, which have been challenging for our bowlers. However, we've struggled to execute our plans effectively in crucial moments."
Psychological challenges in big matches:
"There's definitely a psychological component to our struggles in major matches. We also have to acknowledge that each tournament brings new players who lack experience in high-pressure situations. India's team benefits from stability and continuity. Our team's issues are linked to systemic problems. India possesses a more stable structure and better infrastructure. Our players need to learn to adapt."
Team selection and stability:
"It's important to give new players opportunities, but we can't completely overhaul the team all at once. We need stability. Making changes out of frustration is not a constructive approach."
His coaching approach:
"I don't believe in being a strict or aggressive coach. My approach is to have calm conversations with the players, explain where they went wrong, and work on solutions. Applying more pressure will likely make them perform worse."
Systemic instability:
"This is the core issue. When the system is unstable, the players become unstable as well. Look at India's system—it has a clear direction. We need to be patient and implement proper planning."
Emotions surrounding losses to India:
"Losing to India is always emotionally charged. However, it's not right to blame the entire team or system based on a single match. We need to improve, but we also need to adapt to modern cricket."
The difference between league and international cricket:
"League cricket and international cricket are vastly different. In leagues, the environment is more relaxed, and there's less pressure to perform consistently. Players are given specific roles, and a few failures don't lead to intense scrutiny. In international cricket, the pressure is constant. You're representing your country, and every failure is amplified. Some players excel in leagues but struggle with the expectations and pressure of international matches."
The gap between domestic and international cricket:
"The biggest problem is the gap between our domestic structure and the demands of international cricket. The quality of pitches, the intensity of games, and the way domestic players are prepared are all significantly different from international standards. We lack a sufficient number of players who are consistently tested at a high level before joining the national team. If our domestic system were strong, players would be better prepared for international cricket."
The importance of temperament:
"Talent alone is not enough; temperament is essential for a great player. You need the mental strength to handle pressure, adapt to different situations, and maintain performance when things are difficult. Many players perform well when comfortable, but struggle under pressure. That's where temperament is crucial."
Selection policies and favoritism:
"It comes down to selection policies and the support given to certain players. Sometimes, players receive consistent opportunities because the management believes in their potential and allows them time to develop. Other times, it's simply favoritism. Ideally, selections should be based on performance and merit, not personal preferences."
Pakistan's overall performance:
"Looking at the tournament as a whole, Pakistan's performance hasn't been consistently poor. We've been involved in high-scoring games, which have been challenging for our bowlers. However, we've struggled to execute our plans effectively in crucial moments."
Psychological challenges in big matches:
"There's definitely a psychological component to our struggles in major matches. We also have to acknowledge that each tournament brings new players who lack experience in high-pressure situations. India's team benefits from stability and continuity. Our team's issues are linked to systemic problems. India possesses a more stable structure and better infrastructure. Our players need to learn to adapt."
Team selection and stability:
"It's important to give new players opportunities, but we can't completely overhaul the team all at once. We need stability. Making changes out of frustration is not a constructive approach."
His coaching approach:
"I don't believe in being a strict or aggressive coach. My approach is to have calm conversations with the players, explain where they went wrong, and work on solutions. Applying more pressure will likely make them perform worse."
Systemic instability:
"This is the core issue. When the system is unstable, the players become unstable as well. Look at India's system—it has a clear direction. We need to be patient and implement proper planning."
Emotions surrounding losses to India:
"Losing to India is always emotionally charged. However, it's not right to blame the entire team or system based on a single match. We need to improve, but we also need to adapt to modern cricket."
The difference between league and international cricket:
"League cricket and international cricket are vastly different. In leagues, the environment is more relaxed, and there's less pressure to perform consistently. Players are given specific roles, and a few failures don't lead to intense scrutiny. In international cricket, the pressure is constant. You're representing your country, and every failure is amplified. Some players excel in leagues but struggle with the expectations and pressure of international matches."
The gap between domestic and international cricket:
"The biggest problem is the gap between our domestic structure and the demands of international cricket. The quality of pitches, the intensity of games, and the way domestic players are prepared are all significantly different from international standards. We lack a sufficient number of players who are consistently tested at a high level before joining the national team. If our domestic system were strong, players would be better prepared for international cricket."
The importance of temperament:
"Talent alone is not enough; temperament is essential for a great player. You need the mental strength to handle pressure, adapt to different situations, and maintain performance when things are difficult. Many players perform well when comfortable, but struggle under pressure. That's where temperament is crucial."
Selection policies and favoritism:
"It comes down to selection policies and the support given to certain players. Sometimes, players receive consistent opportunities because the management believes in their potential and allows them time to develop. Other times, it's simply favoritism. Ideally, selections should be based on performance and merit, not personal preferences."
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