Internal conflict cost Pakistan Champions Trophy

An internal conflict between head coach Aaqib Javed and captain Mohammad Rizwan has costed Pakistan the ICC Champions Trophy.

According to Express News, both Aaqib and Rizwan were trying to stamp their authority throughout the tournament.

This cost Pakistan games against New Zealand and arch-rivals India.

It was reported that the Pakistan captain was frustrated due to lack of consultation on key decisions.

The conflict started after Rizwan included Khushdil Shah in the squad. Aaqib then selected Faheem Ashraf without consultation.

The selection committee and Mohammad Rizwan were clearly not on the same page. Moreover, the committee also ignored Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi recommendation of squad review.

The chairman, however, chose not to exercise his authority to make changes unilaterally.

Now, the PCB will review Pakistan’s performance in the tournament, and some tough decisions are expected.

It is revealed that the former pacer has no intention of resigning on his own. The board had appointed him temporarily, and now, he will no longer hold the position of head coach.

To quell public backlash, PCB may have to take some tough decisions, and the selection committee could be in the firing line.