Pakistan picked their squad for the upcoming 2025 version of Asia Cup, and their chief selector Aaqib Javed believes that the 17-member squad chosen for the continental match has all it takes to crush the may of a robust Indian group. For the unversed, Pakistan have gained solely three T20Is in opposition to India within the 13 matches each international locations have performed to this point.
The previous medium pacer additionally disclosed that he had ‘excessive hopes’ from the chosen bunch to placed on an excellent present on the upcoming match. Two most notable exclusions from the squad have been that of star batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. The 53-year-old remarked that under no circumstances did the exclusion imply that the Babar-Rizwan duo couldn’t make a comeback to the T20I setup.
“Pakistan’s T20 group can beat India. India vs Pakistan matches are all the time large. This 17-member squad can defeat any group. We shouldn’t put stress on them, however I’ve excessive hopes for this squad. It’s not that we’re fully sidelining them. The present decisions replicate how a participant develops. I’ve given examples of Sahibzada Farhan, Saim, and Fakhar. Sahibzada made a comeback, Saim initially struggled however later created an influence,” Javed stated at a press convention, as quoted by India At this time.
Javed concluded by admitting that each one the gamers within the squad have been chosen on the idea of advantage and no different exterior parameter. The chief selector has additionally admitted that gamers who’ve proven their prowess throughout totally different T20 tournaments are being picked, and efficiency within the shortest format being the paramount for the choice course of for the Agha Salman-led aspect.
“You may’t put a stamp on any participant’s profession—alternatives are all the time there. Proper now, they’re gaining expertise in leagues just like the Massive Bash and the PSL. Whoever performs will play, and solely those that carry out need to play,” shared Javed.
The Asia Cup 2025 will start on September 09, with Pakistan positioned within the Group A alongside arch-rivals India, hosts UAE, and Oman. They are going to be banking on their roster to place up a present and assist them attain near lifting the silverware.