LAHORE: National selector Aqib Javed has expressed confidence in the Pakistan team’s ability to beat any side, including India, ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025, which will begin in September 2025.
The upcoming edition of the continental tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and played in the T20 format, serving as a key build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The tournament will feature eight teams split into two groups. Group A comprises Pakistan, India, the UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.
The high-stakes encounter between Pakistan and India is scheduled to take place on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Addressing the media during a press conference in the provincial capital, Aqib Javed commented on the much-anticipated match between India and Pakistan.
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“Pakistan’s T20 team can beat India. India-Pakistan matches are always huge, and everyone is aware of this. I believe this 17-member squad is capable of defeating any team. We shouldn’t put pressure on them, but I am very hopeful,” he stated.
It is worth mentioning that Pakistan has announced a 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 and the Tri-Series against Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Salman Ali Agha will captain the team, which includes experienced players such as Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf.
Additionally, young talents Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, and Hussain Talat have also been selected for the lineup.
Meanwhile, the ace duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have not been selected in the Pakistan squad.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s last T20I appearance came in December 2024 against South Africa.
Pakistan squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup
Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim
READ: Aqib Javed explains Babar, Rizwan’s exclusion from Pakistan’s T20I squad