Pakistan cricket team’s interim head coach, Aaqib Javed, has downplayed concerns over fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi conceding four sixes in a match, stating that such occurrences are not a major issue. He emphasized that Shaheen must continue improving his game to establish himself further in international cricket.
Speaking to the media in Auckland on Thursday, Javed highlighted the need for Pakistan’s fast bowlers to keep enhancing their performances.
“If Shaheen wants to prove himself in international cricket, he needs to do even better,” he stated.
Pakistan’s Challenge in New Zealand
Javed acknowledged the challenges of playing in New Zealand, noting that small boundaries make bowling difficult. However, he expressed confidence in the Pakistan team’s ability to stage a comeback in the series.
“If our batters score well at the top, we can win. The Pakistan team will make a comeback and can win the series,” he asserted.
Pakistan has suffered two consecutive defeats in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, prompting speculation about possible changes in the playing XI.
“People are upset after losing two matches. We may make one or two changes in the third T20I,” Javed revealed.
T20 Team Restructuring and Captaincy Debate
Addressing the long-standing debate about Sarfaraz Ahmed’s captaincy, Javed remarked that it is an outdated discussion.
“That discussion is four years old now. The T20 team that was performing well two years ago is no longer the same. Cricket has changed in these two years, and now teams are being built separately for T20Is,” he explained.
He confirmed that Pakistan is actively working on forming a specialized T20 squad.
“We are trying to build a separate team for T20s. Strike rate holds great importance in this format,” he noted.
Focus on Asia Cup and T20 World Cup
Javed emphasized that Pakistan’s main focus is the upcoming Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, both of which will be played in India.
“Big scores are made on Asian pitches. The conditions in South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia are tough, and playing there is not easy,” he said.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent series in Australia, he noted that high-scoring matches are rare in such conditions.
“When young players play in difficult conditions, they gain confidence. The experience gained here will be very useful in Asian conditions,” he added.
Javed concluded by expressing optimism about the squad’s strength.
“The real preparation is for the Asia Cup and World Cup. Once Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman join the team, it will become a strong unit,” he stated.
Pakistan is currently on tour in New Zealand, playing three ODIs and five T20Is, with two losses already recorded in the T20 series.