Pakistan interim head coach Aaqib Javed has dismissed concerns about Team India’s spin-heavy attack ahead of their crucial Champions Trophy 2025 clash. Aaqib Javed is confident in the pace trio – Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf – producing a match-winning performance under pressure.
India will lock horns with Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Sunday, February 23. Pakistan started their Champions Trophy campaign with a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in Karachi. Meanwhile, the Rohit Sharma-led team secured a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai.
India Have a Plan to Play 3-4 Spinners – Aaqib Javed
Speaking at a press conference, Aaqib Javed admitted that Pakistan have limited spin options but added that teams should play to their strengths. Javed called the pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf one of the best in modern cricket and compared them to legendary fast bowlers.
Javed also said that relying on multiple spinners is India’s approach, while Pakistan will stick to its strengths without making major changes to the squad.
“Other teams have too many spinners and we have lesser spin options. The teams play their game on their own strength. We have like a specialist three, I would say one of the best pace bowling options in today’s game with Shaheen, Naseem, and Haris. It reminds me of the 90’s. India has a plan to play 3-4 spinners. That is their plan. We have to play our cricket on our own strength. Our team will not see any major changes,” said Javed in the pre-match press conference.
Team India Relying on Their Spinners in Dubai Conditions
India are relying on their spinners and may even include a fourth option, Varun Chakravarthy, for their clash against Pakistan. The Dubai pitch has shown assistance for spinners under lights, as Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Rishad Hossain troubled Indian batters.
Meanwhile, Pakistan are depending on their pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf and have selected only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, in their 15-man squad.
Rauf and Naseem picked up two wickets each against New Zealand but conceded 83 and 63 runs, respectively. Afridi went wicketless and gave away 68 runs in his 10 overs.
We Are Playing Very Little Spin – Aaqib Javed
Aaqib Javed also said that they do not need multiple spinners, as the conditions in Pakistan are unlikely to offer a significant turn. Javed emphasized the need for balance in the bowling attack for the marquee tournament.
“If you look at Pakistan, we are playing very little spin. You have one specialist spinner and two all-rounders. One is a left-arm, Khushdil, and the other is Agha Salman, who bowls off-spin.”
“So, you have to keep a balance, like 20 overs, 25 overs, pace, and bounce. It’s not possible to have five spinners here. And you won’t see any pitches where you feel that the ball is turning too much, and there’s a lot for spinners and there’s nothing for fast bowlers,” Javed added.
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