Aaqib Javed urges all stakeholders to take responsibility for Pakistan’s T20 World Cup exit

LAHORE: National selector Aaqib Javed has called on all stakeholders, including the captain and head coach, to accept responsibility for Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup. Speaking at a media conference in Lahore on Saturday, Aaqib stated, “I as a member of the [national] selection committee picked 15 players [for the T20 World Cup], while finalising the playing XI was the responsibility of the captain and the head coach. Therefore, everyone should accept the responsibility [for Pakistan’s poor show in the event].”

This media appearance marked the first time a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official addressed the public following the team’s underwhelming campaign in another ICC event. Aaqib, who also serves as the director of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), was joined at the press conference by selectors Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafiq. Both Misbah and Sarfraz, former captains, were recently inducted into the national selection committee.

During the conference, Aaqib highlighted the division of responsibilities within the team management, clarifying that while the selection committee chose the squad, the captain and head coach were tasked with determining the playing XI for each match. He emphasised that accountability should be shared among all parties involved in the team’s preparation and performance.

Aaqib also claimed that Babar Azam was unfit during the global event, though further details regarding this assertion were not provided during the briefing.

The Pakistan team, led by Salman Ali Agha, failed to progress in the tournament, prompting widespread criticism from fans and analysts alike. The selectors’ press conference aimed to address concerns and provide clarity on the decision-making process behind the team’s World Cup campaign.