"Pakistan can beat India in Asia Cup 2025" - PCB chief selector Aaqib Javed's issues warning to Suryakumar Yadav & Co

The India vs Pakistan match in Asia Cup 2025 will take place on September 14 in Dubai.

Pakistan Cricket Team‘s chief selector Aaqib Javed has made a bold prediction ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, saying that their team can defeat India. On Sunday (August 17), Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced their 17-member squad for the tournament.

Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 while, some big names like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Naseem Shah were overlooked from Pakistan squad for the tournament.

However, a few senior members like Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shaheen Shah Afridi made cute into the squad. The India vs Pakistan clash of Asia Cup 2025 will be played on September 14 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan team can beat India in Asia Cup 2025: Aaqib Javed

While revealing the squad for Asia Cup 2025 during a press conference, PCB chief selector Aaqib Javed said that Pakistan can beat India in the tournament.

“Pakistan’s T20 team can beat India. India vs Pakistan matches are always huge. This 17-member squad can defeat any team. We shouldn’t put pressure on them, but I have high hopes for this squad,” Javed said.

Speaking on the omission of senior members Rizwan and Azam, Javed said that PCB have not sidelined them completely from T20Is. Hence, they can make a comeback if they perform well in future.

“It’s not that we are completely sidelining them. The current choices reflect how a player develops. I’ve given examples of Sahibzada Farhan, Saim, and Fakhar. Sahibzada made a comeback, Saim initially struggled but later created an impact,” he stated.

“You can’t put a stamp on any player’s career-opportunities are always there. Right now, they’re gaining experience in leagues like the Big Bash and PSL. Whoever performs will play, and only those who perform deserve to play,” he added.

Meanwhile, India, Pakistan, Oman, and UAE are part of Group A in Asia Cup 2025. India and Pakistan are also expected to clash once again in the Super Four round. Moreover, they will play three games with each other in the tournament if they reach the final.

Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong are placed in Group B in the tournament. Two teams from each group will qualify for Super Four round. The Asia Cup 2025 final will take place on September 28 in Dubai. India are the defending champions of the tournament.

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