Pakistan can beat India in Asia Cup even without Babar, Rizwan: Aaqib Javed

Pakistan picked their squad for the upcoming 2025 edition of Asia Cup, and their chief selector Aaqib Javed believes that the 17-member squad selected for the continental tournament has all it takes to crush the might of a strong Indian team. For the unversed, Pakistan have won only three T20Is against India in the 13 matches both countries have played thus far. 

The former medium pacer also disclosed that he had 'high hopes' from the selected bunch to put on a good show at the upcoming tournament. Two most notable exclusions from the squad were that of star batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. The 53-year-old remarked that in no way did the exclusion mean that the Babar-Rizwan duo could not make a comeback to the T20I setup. 

“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, as quoted by India Today.

Javed concluded by admitting that all the players in the squad have been selected on the basis of merit and no other external parameter. The chief selector has also admitted that players who have shown their prowess across different T20 tournaments are being picked, and performance in the shortest format being the paramount for the selection process for the Agha Salman-led side.

"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,” shared Javed.

The Asia Cup 2025 will begin on September 09, with Pakistan placed in the Group A alongside arch-rivals India, hosts UAE, and Oman. They will be banking on their roster to put up a show and help them reach close to lifting the silverware.