Follow UsPakistan named a young 17-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025 on August 17 (Sunday). Among the notable exclusions were two of Pakistan's prolific run-getters, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. However, Pakistan's chief selector Aaqib Javed is unfazed by their absence and believes that the team that has been selected can beat India in the eight-team event.
“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,” Javed told reporters.
“Our squad can beat any team. Everyone is ready. Everyone knows the situation surrounding the two countries. But we don't need to put extra pressure on them."
Earlier, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson had urged Babar to develop a more aggressive style to be in contention for a place in T20Is. "I think it's really harsh to challenge a player on their form in three games," he said at a press conference.
"Babar played nicely in the first ODI but missed out on the next two. There's no doubt Babar's been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate. Those are things he's working really hard on."
Pakistan are in Group A alongside India, UAE and Oman. They get their campaign underway against Oman on September 12 in Dubai before their massive clash against arch-rivals India on September 14 at the same venue.