Pakistan cricket team’s high-performance director Aaqib Javed believes that the Men in Green have the ability to beat the India cricket team at the Asia Cup 2025. Pakistan haven’t beaten India in the last four encounters, losing at the Asia Cup 2023, ODI World Cup 2023, T20 World Cup 2024, and Champions Trophy 2025. But the former pacer believes each player believes in their ability and is ready for the challenge that India poses.
Aaqib made the comment when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced their 17-man squad for the Asia Cup. Fascinatingly, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan weren’t included in the team led by Salman Ali Agha. Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah were the two other notable names missing.
“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 while announcing the squad.
Motivated after the May skirmish
This time around, the India vs Pakistan match will be of a bigger magnitude. In May, both countries seemed to be on the verge of a war after the Pahalgam terror attack. Tensions have remained high since. Last month, two legends cricket match between the two nations was cancelled due to severe backlash.
It almost feels like India vs Pakistan won’t be just a cricket match. Aaqib knows this as well. He knows players will be under pressure. They’ll be scrutinised if they lose. But he assures them that no extra pressure will be brought upon 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.
India and Pakistan will face each other at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14 in the Asia Cup. If they both qualify for the Super Four, there will be at least another match between them on September 21 at the same venue.
