Pakistan's early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 reportedly stemmed from a power struggle between the captain and coach. According to sources cited by Cricket Pakistan, skipper Mohammad Rizwan was frustrated due to a lack of consultation on key decisions. One of the main points of contention was that while he backed the inclusion of Khushdil Shah, Aqib Javed selected Faheem Ashraf on his own. Rizwan was also not on the same page with the selection committee.

The report also claimed that despite the team management and selectors facing a lot of backlash over the selected squad, Javed has no intention of resigning. However, the PCB will show him the door.

Defending Pakistan's squad selection, despite a disappointing show in the Champions Trophy 2025, Javed said, "There are no excuses in life. We always support our team, and before every match, we remain hopeful. The players themselves are disappointed with their performance. Our message to the nation is that we always put in our best efforts."

"If you don't put up a good total, the bowlers have to go on the attack. You can never be satisfied after a loss," he remarked.

"In some matches, the presence of big players is essential. The absence of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman made a difference. Sufiyan Muqeem and Irfan Niazi lacked exposure in ODIs," he explained.

On team combinations, he said, "In ODIs, you usually play with seven batters and four bowlers. Saim could contribute with both batting and four to five overs of bowling, which is why Khushdil was brought in as his replacement."

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