This 17-member Pakistan T20I team can defeat India: Pakistan chief selector

Pakistan chief selector Aaqib Javed, while announcing the tri-series and Asia Cup 2025 squad, has stated that the 17-man Pakistan team has the capability of defeating India at the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 campaign. 

Javed further asserted that he has high hopes for the current Pakistan squad, adding that they can defeat any side in the world. However, it’s important to note that the squad doesn’t feature the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who last played a T20I in December 2024 against South Africa.

“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.

Also, he added that every player who is performing well across the world in the T20 leagues like the Big Bash League and the Pakistan Super League will get a chance to play for the nation. Notably, Pakistan and India will clash against each other on Sunday, September 14.

"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,” he added.

Pakistan T20I squad for Asia Cup: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

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