The cricketing world is once again bracing for one of its most anticipated showdowns as Pakistan has officially announced its squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. With the tournament set to kick off on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates, all eyes are already drifting toward the high-voltage Group A clash between Pakistan and India, scheduled for September 14 in Dubai. The tension is palpable—not just on the field, but off it as well, with recent political events adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already storied rivalry.
Pakistan’s chief selector, Aaqib Javed, did not mince words during the squad announcement, exuding confidence in his team’s prospects. “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,” Javed declared to reporters on Sunday. His words echoed across the cricketing landscape, setting the stage for a contest that transcends sport and taps into decades of shared history and national pride.
The Men in Green, as Pakistan’s cricket team is affectionately known, have unveiled a 17-member squad led by Salman Ali Agha. Notably absent from the lineup are two of Pakistan’s most celebrated batters: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Their omission has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Head Coach Mike Hesson addressed the decision at a press conference, offering insight into the selectors’ thinking. “I think it’s really harsh to challenge a player on their form in three games,” Hesson remarked regarding Babar Azam. “Babar played nicely in the first ODI but missed out on the next two. There’s no doubt Babar’s been asked to improve in some areas around taking on spin and in terms of his strike rate. Those are things he’s working really hard on.”
While Babar and Rizwan remain on the sidelines, Pakistan’s squad boasts a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising newcomers. Senior pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf bring firepower to the attack, while dependable batters Fakhar Zaman and Khushdil Shah are expected to anchor the middle order. Star wicket-keeper Mohammad Haris retains his spot, providing stability behind the stumps and flexibility in the batting lineup. The selectors have also shown faith in rising talents like Hasan Nawaz, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Muqim, signaling a commitment to nurturing the next generation of Pakistani cricket.
The full squad, as announced, includes: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Sufiyan Muqeem. This mix of experience and youth will be put to the test in a tournament that features some of the region’s most formidable teams.
The Asia Cup 2025 itself promises to be a spectacle, with eight teams divided into two groups. Group A features India, Oman, Pakistan, and the UAE, while Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. The tournament’s final will take place on September 28 at the Dubai International Stadium, a venue that has witnessed its fair share of cricketing drama over the years. India holds the official hosting rights for the tournament, but the matches will unfold across the UAE, ensuring neutral ground for the high-stakes encounters.
Yet, it is impossible to discuss this year’s Asia Cup without acknowledging the broader context. The situation between India and Pakistan remains tense following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, which targeted military camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. These events have reignited calls within India to boycott sporting ties with Pakistan, particularly in cricket, where emotions run especially high. Several Indian parliamentarians have voiced their concerns, urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reconsider participation in matches against their neighbors.
Despite the political backdrop and public outcry, the cricketing authorities have pressed ahead. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi recently confirmed the tournament schedule, ensuring that the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash would proceed as planned. In fact, the structure of the tournament means that the two sides could potentially face each other up to three times—first in the group stage, then possibly in the Super 4s, and again in the final, should both teams advance that far. The prospect of multiple encounters has only heightened the sense of anticipation among fans and analysts alike.
The off-field drama has already spilled into other cricketing events. In the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, India Champions were slated to play Pakistan Champions in the group stage, but the match was cancelled following a social media uproar. Later, India Champions withdrew from the semi-final against Pakistan, handing the latter a walkover. These incidents underscore how deeply intertwined sport and politics remain in the subcontinent, especially when it comes to cricket.
For Pakistan, the focus remains firmly on performance. Chief selector Aaqib Javed is adamant that his squad has the skill and temperament to rise above external distractions. “Our squad can beat any team. Everyone is ready. Everyone knows the situation surrounding the two countries. But we don't need to put extra pressure on them,” he stated, emphasizing unity and resilience within the dressing room.
As the countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 continues, speculation about team strategies, player form, and political developments will no doubt intensify. The omission of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan may dominate headlines now, but it is the collective strength of the squad and their ability to handle pressure that will ultimately determine Pakistan’s fate in the tournament. The Asia Cup has always been a stage for heroes to emerge and legends to be made—will this new-look Pakistan side seize their moment?
With less than a month to go, cricket fans across the globe are marking their calendars for September 14, when India and Pakistan renew their rivalry in Dubai. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the Asia Cup 2025 promises drama, passion, and unforgettable cricketing moments. The world will be watching, and for the players, the stakes have never been higher.