"We Can Beat India in Asia Cup 2025, Our Players Are Ready": PCB Director Aaqib Javed Warns India

Pakistan selector Aqib Javed is confident about Pakistan’s chances against India in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, highlighting the strength and balance of the current squad. However, Pakistan's T20I record against India has been less favorable with India winning nine out of 13 encounters, while Pakistan has won just three. One match ended in a tie, which India won through a bowl-out during the T20 World Cup 2007.

Pakistan’s last T20I win over India came in the 2022 Asia Cup Super Four stage in Dubai, where they chased down 182 with just one ball remaining. Aqib Javed shared his confidence when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced their 17-man squad for the Asia Cup. Surprisingly, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were both left out of the team will be led by Salman Ali Agha. Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah were also missing from the squad.

“This team has the ability to beat India in the Asia Cup. Whether you like it or not, the match between India and Pakistan is the biggest in world cricket. Every player knows this. Our squad can beat any team. Everyone is ready,” Aaqib said.

Pakistan’s group match against India in the Asia Cup will take place on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Aqib Javed also mentioned that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have a good chance of making a T20 comeback, similar to players like Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman. Both Babar and Rizwan haven’t played T20Is this year with their last appearances coming in December 2024.

The India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup this time will carry even more significance, following the heightened tensions between the two countries after the Pahalgam terror attack in May. With tensions still high, a legends cricket match between the two nations was even cancelled last month due to severe backlash. Aqib Javed acknowledges that the match will not just be about cricket and understands the pressure players will face, especially if they lose. However, he assures that no additional pressure will be placed on their shoulders.

“Everyone knows the situation surrounding the two countries (India and Pakistan). But we don’t need to put extra pressure on them,” he added.

“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,” Javed concluded.

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