Lahore – Sports Desk : National cricket team selector Aqib Javed emphasized that the team selection is a collaborative process involving the selection committee, coach, and captain.
Speaking at a joint press conference at Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore, alongside selectors Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafiq, Aqib Javed said that no individual makes the decision alone.
He added that unfortunately, the team did not meet expectations in the T20 World Cup, but overall performance was better. Commenting on recent matches, he said:
- Losing to India is always disappointing, but historically Pakistan has struggled against them.
- In the Super 12s, Pakistan lost only one match and another was affected by rain, leaving the team out on net run rate.
- Against Sri Lanka, the pitch made low scores unavoidable.
Aqib Javed also highlighted recent victories abroad, noting wins against South Africa in South Africa and Australia in Australia, signaling improved performance.
Regarding player rotation, he said that no players were dropped against Bangladesh; rest was given to allow new talent exposure. Key players like Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Salman Mirza are not yet match-fit.
He addressed the pace bowling situation, stating that the era of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis is over, and currently, apart from Shaheen Afridi, there isn’t a bowler of that caliber.
Selector Sarfraz Ahmed added that Pakistan has two to three wicket-keeper options and plans to provide opportunities to emerging players next season.
