Pakistan’s interim head coach Aaqib Javed has boldly downplayed the threat of India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is arguably the world’s best bowler across the formats presently, ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to kick off on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi in the tournament opener, while the high-stakes India-Pakistan encounter is scheduled for February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
Aaqib Javed dismisses Jasprit Bumrah threat, focuses on Pakistan’s strategy for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Well, Aaqib Javed has insisted that Pakistan is not focused on planning their game around Jasprit Bumrah, dismissing the idea of him being a major concern for his team in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Instead, the Pakistan coach said that India should be more worried about Bumrah’s fitness as he continues to recover from a back injury.
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Aaqib Javed told reporters on the sidelines of Pakistan’s training session at the Ghani Glass ground in Lahore, “They should be worried about Bumrah’s fitness. When you play in the Champions Trophy, the most beautiful thing about it is you can’t take any team lightly. The top eight teams are playing. If any team has a bowler like Bumrah, it is a plus point. But it is not like we will plan everything around him.”
We’re just waiting on that scan update: Rohit Sharma on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability
Notably, Jasprit Bumrah has been sidelined since his back spasms forced him out of the fourth innings during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. The Indian spinner is currently undergoing treatment at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
However, Jasprit Bumrah was named in India’s squad for the third ODI as well as the Champions Trophy 2025, but there is still no clarity on his availability. Ahead of the Nagpur ODI, Rohit Sharma revealed that they are waiting for the results of his scans, which will determine the bowler’s fate.
Rohit Sharma said at the pre-match press conference ahead of the first ODI against England, “We’re just waiting on that scan update, which is going to happen in the next few days.”
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Aaqib Javed defends Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah’s selection for Champions Trophy 2025 amid criticism
Meanwhile, there has been a lot of criticism from both fans and experts regarding the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Many believe they haven’t had enough strong performances to deserve a spot in the CT squad, but Javed, who also serves as the national selector, defended their selection.
Aaqib Javed explained, “It’s not right to make changes based on the performances of two matches, and therefore it will most likely be the same team for the Champions Trophy. And when you look into it specifically, you have three pool matches against New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh; you need top seven batters with four bowling options, including two all-rounders. Both Faheem and Khushdil are better choices to play in the subcontinent conditions as compared to Australia or South Africa.”
