With the India vs. Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 scheduled for September 14, discussions are already underway, especially concerning the performance of the Pakistani team. Former player Basit Ali has stirred controversy by expressing his desire for the India-Pakistan match to be called off, fearing a humiliating defeat for Pakistan.
Ali’s sentiments are rooted in Pakistan’s recent struggles, particularly their series loss against the West Indies. The West Indies won the three-match ODI series 2-1. In the final match, Pakistan was bowled out for a paltry 92 while chasing 295. On the YouTube channel ‘The Game Plan,’ Ali said, “I wish India doesn’t play against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, just like they did in the World Championship of Legends. Otherwise, the beating will be so severe that you can’t fathom it.”
The host of the YouTube channel pointed out that Pakistan might find it challenging even against Afghanistan. Ali responded by saying that a loss to Afghanistan wouldn’t affect anyone in the country, but a defeat to India would create widespread panic.
The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to begin on September 9, with India and Pakistan drawn in the same group. The squads for both teams are yet to be announced. Prior to the ODI series, Pakistan won a three-match T20 series against the West Indies 2-1.
In the ODI series, Salman Ali Agha was the top scorer for Pakistan in the final match with 30 runs. However, key batsmen like Sam Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, and captain Mohammad Rizwan failed to score. Babar Azam scored only 9 runs. Attention will now be on Pakistan’s performance in the Asia Cup 2025.
India recently concluded a five-match Test series against England, which ended in a 2-2 draw. The focus has shifted to India’s prospects in the Asia Cup 2025, where they are viewed as strong contenders for the title.