The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the 17-member men's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. Former Pakistan cricketer and present selector, Aqib Javed, has made a bold statement after the release of the Asia Cup squad. 

The Pakistan men's cricket team is struggling to perform strongly at present. In the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies and USA, Pakistan lost their match against the USA, along with arch-rivals India, and were eliminated from the group stage. Recently, they lost a T20I series against Bangladesh and also lost an ODI series against the hosts West Indies, after winning the T20I series against the same team in the USA.

While Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have huge experiences in T20I cricket and scored many runs in this format, are struggling in international cricket recently, they have been dropped from the Asia Cup 2025. The UAE will host the eight-team Asia Cup 2025 between September 9 and 28, 2025. In Group A of the tournament, Pakistan will face India, UAE, and Oman, and the top two teams in the final points table will advance to the Super Four of the tournament. 

Twitter Reactions: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan dropped from Asia Cup 2025 squad

Pakistan’s T20 team can beat India

Pakistan selector Aqib Javed feels that the present Pakistan T20I team, which has been named for the upcoming Asia Cup, can beat India, against whom they have won only three matches out of 13 T20I meetings (India won nine, and also won one tied match through bowl-out).  

Pakistan selector said, “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: Aqib Javed on Babar and Rizwan

The Pakistan selector also clarified that it wasn't the end of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, but the selected players proved themselves fit for the format.  

Aqib Javed added, “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. 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 PSL. Whoever performs will play, and only those who perform deserve to play.”