Pakistan can defeat India in Asia Cup 2025, feels chief selector Aaqib Javed

Former Pakistan cricketer and chief selector Aaqib Javed has sounded confident of Pakistan defeating India at the forthcoming Asia Cup 2025 after announcing the nation’s 17-man squad, led by Salman Ali Agha.

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Notably, the squad doesn’t feature the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who last played a T20I in December 2024 against South Africa. Interestingly, Pakistan could defeat India in only three out of the 13 T20Is both nations played against each other.

While announcing the 17-man squad for the forthcoming tri-series and Asia Cup 2025 campaign, Javed stated that the current crop of cricketers can defeat any side in the world, adding that he has a lot of hope in the current selected squad.

“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. 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," Javed said at a press conference.

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Furthermore, he also stated that the current selection has been made after the players performed well in T20 leagues worldwide and established their authority before being selected for the national squad.

"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 the PSL. Whoever performs will play, and only those who perform deserve to play,” he added.

Pakistan T20I squad for Asia Cup: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

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