Aaqib Javed and Mohammad Rizwan’s Rift Exposed Openly After Pakistan's Champions Trophy 2025 Crash

Aaqib Javed, head coach, and his rift with captain Mohammad Rizwan have been the reason behind Pakistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign going south. Tensions have arisen since the Pakistani cricket team, captained by Mohammad Rizwan, lost in the group round of the current ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

For the first time in twenty-nine years, Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament. They haven't performed well in the Champions Trophy, though. The Pakistani squad has already been knocked out of the competition. On February 27, they will play Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in their last group-stage match.

Mohammad Rizwan and Aaqib Javed fought over Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf

The conflict between Aaqib Javed and Mohammad Rizwan had a detrimental effect on Pakistan's 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, according to a report published by Cricket Pakistan. Javed disappointed Rizwan since they couldn't agree on important team decisions.

According to the article, Javed insisted on choosing Faheem Ashraf, but Rizwan fought for Khushdil Shah to be included. Pakistan's early tournament elimination was a result of this internal strife as well as disagreements over roster selections.

"According to sources, Mohammad Rizwan appeared frustrated due to a lack of consultation on key decisions. When he advocated for the inclusion of Khushdil Shah, Aqib Javed went ahead and selected Faheem Ashraf on his own. The selection committee and Mohammad Rizwan were clearly not on the same page," Cricket Pakistan reported.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will evaluate the team's performance following their Champions Trophy exit, according to a report from Cricket Pakistan. According to reports, a number of experienced players, such as Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, and Babar Azam, could lose their places in the squad.

Aaqib Javed not to resign; PCB to throw him out

Despite criticism regarding the team selection, Aqib Javed has no intention of stepping down. But it is anticipated that the PCB will fire him. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi suggested twice reviewing the team prior to the event, but his suggestions were disregarded, and he decided not to make any adjustments.

To resolve errors and opportunities for development, the PCB will conduct in-depth conversations with the team management. Notably, the PCB might have to make tough choices.

Babar Azam’s poor form a concern for Pakistan board

Since Babar Azam hasn't played well in more than a year, the PCB is worried about his recent decline in form. The selectors and Aaqib Javed believe they picked the best players available. The team does, however, have some obvious problems, especially with the opening batsmen, spin bowlers, and all-rounders.

Babar Azam has not lived up to expectations. In the first game against New Zealand, the batter chased a target of 321 runs and scored 64 runs off 90 balls. Pakistan lost the competition for the second time in a row after Babar scored just 23 runs in the next game against India.

In the last three seasons, from 2023 to 2025, the 30-year-old has averaged less than 40 in every configuration. Since he hit 151 runs against Nepal in the opening match of the 2023 Asia Cup, he has not scored a century in any of the formats.

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