Pakistan’s national selector Aqib Javed has expressed full confidence in the Men in Green ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, stating that the team has the ability to beat any side, including arch-rivals India.
The highly-anticipated continental tournament, scheduled for September 2025 in the UAE, will be played in the T20 format as part of preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Eight teams will feature in the event, divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, UAE, and Oman, while Group B features Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.
The spotlight fixture, Pakistan vs India, is set for September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, a clash expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide.
Speaking to the media, Aqib Javed emphasized the strength and balance of Pakistan’s squad.
“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 said.
Pakistan recently announced their 17-member squad for both the Asia Cup and the tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE. The side will be led by Salman Ali Agha and includes senior names such as Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf, alongside emerging talents Saim Ayub, Khushdil Shah, and Hussain Talat.
Notably, the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been left out of the squad. Their last T20I appearance for Pakistan came against South Africa in December 2024.
Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2025 and UAE Tri-Series
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.
