The India vs. Pakistan clash in any competition is always the most talked-about match. The fierce rivalry that the two nations share on and off the field makes it a spicy clash, be it in ICC competitions or any multi-nation tournaments.
As the two arch-rivals gear up to lock horns in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in UAE, things have started to heat up outside the cricket field.
Pakistan’s chief selector Aaqib Javed has boldly claimed that the new-look Pakistan side can defeat India in the upcoming edition of the Asia Cup 2025.
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Javed, along with director of cricket Mike Hesson, announced the Pakistan 17-member Pakistan squad on Sunday. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were notable absentees from the roster as the management decided to put faith on the upcoming talents in the shortest format.
Aaqib Javed believes Pakistan can beat India
Addressing the media after the squad announcement, Javed claimed that India vs Pakistan matches are always high-pressure games, but he believes the current Pakistan T20 team is capable of beating the reigning T20 world champions India.
“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," Javed said at the press conference, as quoted by India Today.
The former fast bowler also highlighted players like Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub as examples of players who have grown with time.
READ: Asia Cup 2025: Format, teams and groups explained
"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," he added.
What about Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s absence?
The exclusion of Babar and Rizwan created a lot of debate among fans. However, Javed made it clear that this does not mean the two stars are finished in T20Is.
He said that both could return in the future if they perform well in leagues and domestic cricket.
"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,” added Javed.
MORE: Asia Cup 2025: Retained KKR star Rinku SIngh's place uncertain in India T20I squad
How did Mike Hesson justify the new squad?
Pakistan’s director of cricket Hesson also shared his thoughts on the new combination. He described the team as a “highly competitive squad” with the right mix of experience and youngsters.
"We’ve put together what we believe is a highly competitive squad following the recent T20I series. Excited to see some fresh faces stepping up alongside our experienced senior players. A great blend of energy & experience for the Tri-Nation series & Asia Cup," said Hesson
He further pointed out that Pakistan have packed the squad with five frontline seamers for the UAE conditions, as well as two mystery spinners to add variety.
MORE: Asia Cup 2025: Which players are in the race for the squad?
"Our squad features five front line seamers to adapt according to UAE conditions, along with two attacking mystery spinners. With depth in batting, much improved fielding side along with the bowlers mentioned above we overall have an excellent balanced squad," he added.
We’ve put together what we believe is a highly competitive squad following the recent T20I series. Excited to see some fresh faces stepping up alongside our experienced senior players. A great blend of energy & experience for the Tri-Nation series & Asia Cup.
— Mike Hesson (@CoachHesson) August 17, 2025
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The Asia Cup begins on September 9, and Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, Oman and hosts UAE. With no Babar or Rizwan, the responsibility shifts to younger batters and all-rounders to step up.