By Nawaz Gohar ; Aaqib Javed, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Director of the High-Performance Center and former national coach, has shared critical insights ahead of the much-anticipated Pakistan-India match. He noted that current conditions seem to favor Pakistan, suggesting that the encounter on February 15 could yield a different result than in the past.

Speaking to the media, Javed remarked that the atmosphere surrounding the Pakistan-India rivalry is shifting, noting that India’s diplomatic strategies appear to be backfiring. He explained that in such high-voltage matches, public expectations soar to extraordinary levels, and a team’s standing is often determined by how well they handle that immense pressure.

Aaqib Javed observed that cricket has undergone a massive transformation since 1997. He stated that the game has become much faster, and the sheer volume of matches has made it increasingly difficult for “superstar” players to emerge as they once did.

He further commented on the direction of T20 cricket, stating that it is becoming difficult to expect traditional, long innings from a single batter. He added that expectations regarding players like Babar Azam must be viewed through the lens of this evolving format.

The former coach expressed confidence in the national side, noting that the team has shown rare consistency in their performance recently. Given their current form, he believes the team possesses the capability to win the World Cup.

He emphasized a technical requirement for success: “The team that possesses high-quality spinners will be able to deliver better results in major tournaments.”

Javed stressed that strengthening regional cricket is indispensable for the sustainable development of the sport in Pakistan. According to him, if the grassroots structure is robust, the national team will automatically become more stable and competitive.

By Nawaz Gohar ; Under the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) “Future Star Talent Hunt Program,” trials were conducted at Niaz Stadium, providing young cricketers a platform to showcase their skills. The selection process was supervised by former Test cricketer and PCB Director of High Performance, Aaqib Javed.

While speaking to the media, Aaqib Javed emphasized that this program is a “golden opportunity” for aspiring cricketers who do not have regular access to club or academy cricket.

He noted that the selection process is currently in its initial phase and will continue tomorrow. “We aim to select 20 to 24 talented boys who will be provided with one month of specialized training,” he explained. Furthermore, players demonstrating exceptional performance will be granted access to the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Javed reminded the audience that several players currently representing the national team were discovered through similar talent hunt initiatives.

Discussing regional strengths, he observed that every area of Pakistan possesses unique talent. He noted that Hyderabad has historically produced quality batters, spinners, and wicketkeepers, whereas Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab have a higher ratio of fast bowlers. “It isn’t that fast bowlers don’t exist here, but they are fewer in comparison,” he clarified.

Responding to a question regarding a potential Pakistan-India match, Aaqib Javed stated that the current Pakistan squad is balanced and formidable. He highlighted the team’s outstanding performance over the last three to four months, suggesting strong prospects for victory.

Addressing infrastructure, he credited the Mayor’s efforts for the improved condition of Niaz Stadium. He added that the PCB Chairman is committed to providing quality grounds in every region—with 18 regions established nationwide, including Hyderabad, Karachi, and Sukkur in Sindh—as superior facilities are essential for grooming talent.

Aaqib Javed concluded by announcing that this talent hunt series will continue after Ramadan. Addressing queries regarding Shahnawaz Dahani, he asserted that no player is intentionally overlooked, as selection remains strictly merit-based and dependent on performance.