Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed has strongly defended the recent spin-friendly pitches prepared for Test matches in the country.

Speaking ahead of the second Test against the West Indies in Multan, Aaqib suggested that had this approach been adopted earlier, Pakistan might have been closer to securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Addressing the media for the first time since taking over as interim Test coach, he emphasized his primary focus on winning matches and brushed aside criticism of the team's strategy.

"Why is it that if fast bowlers take wickets, [people say] Test cricket is moving forward, and if spinners take wickets, Test cricket's going backwards?" Aaqib said