The Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner, and cricket fever has already gripped the fans across the subcontinent. With arch-rivals India and Pakistan set to clash, former Pakistan fast-bowling legend Wasim Akram has made a bold prediction:
“India will start as favourites at the Asia Cup 2025.”
This statement has sparked intense debate among cricket fans and experts. With Rohit Sharma’s leadership, Virat Kohli’s experience, Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal pace, and a balanced squad, India enters the tournament as a powerhouse. But can they live up to the expectations, especially with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh also vying for glory?
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into Akram’s analysis, India’s squad strength, Asia Cup schedule, key players, head-to-head stats, and predictions .
🗣️ Wasim Akram’s Big Statement
Speaking at a cricket show in Dubai, Wasim Akram praised Team India’s dominance in white-ball cricket.
“Looking at India’s squad depth, batting power, and all-rounders, they are currently the most balanced team in Asia. Unless something unexpected happens, they start as favourites for the Asia Cup,” Akram said.
Akram’s opinion comes at a time when India has been in stellar form, defeating Australia, England, and South Africa in recent series. The inclusion of young guns like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rinku Singh has made India’s batting lineup even more explosive.
📅 Asia Cup 2025 Overview
Host Country
The Asia Cup 2025 will be hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with matches played across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi — venues known for high-scoring thrillers and intense India vs Pakistan clashes.
Format
- Tournament Type: T20I format
- Participating Teams: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal
- Total Matches: 13
- Final: Scheduled for September 18, 2025
India’s Squad Strength for Asia Cup 2025 🇮🇳
India’s selectors have assembled one of their most balanced T20I squads in recent history. Let’s break it down:
Probable Indian Squad
- Captain: Surya Kumar
- Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
- Batters: Abhishek sharma, Shubman Gill, Surya, Sanju Samson
- Wicketkeepers: Jitesh Sharma / Sanju Samson
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel
- Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh
- Spinners: Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakarvarthay
Strengths
✅ Explosive top order – Sharma, Gill, Samson, Surya
✅ Match-winning all-rounders – Hardik & Jadeja
✅ World-class death bowling – Bumrah & Arshdeep
✅ Spin duo – Kuldeep & Chakarvarthy add middle-over control
🔥 India vs Pakistan: The Biggest Rivalry
Whenever India and Pakistan face each other in the Asia Cup, it’s more than just a cricket match — it’s a battle of pride, passion, and power.
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Record
| Year | Venue | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Dubai | India 🇮🇳 |
| 2022 | Dubai | Pakistan 🇵🇰 |
| 2023 | Colombo | India 🇮🇳 |
| 2025 | UAE | TBD 🏏 |
Key Stat: India holds a better overall record against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, making them psychologically stronger heading into 2025.
Wasim Akram’s Analysis of India’s Key Players 🏏
🧠 Surya – The Captain Cool
Akram highlighted Surya Kumar calmness under pressure and his ability to build big partnerships in crucial matches.
“Surya knows how to handle India-Pakistan pressure games. His tactical decisions in T20s have been exceptional,” Akram said.
2. Abhishek Sharma – The Big Match Player 👑
With an outstanding record against Pakistan, Virat Kohli remains India’s go-to man in high-voltage matches. Expect fireworks if Kohli gets going.
3. Jasprit Bumrah – The Game Changer ⚡
Akram also praised Bumrah’s yorkers and ability to defend low totals:
“Bumrah can turn matches on his own. His death bowling is unmatched.”
📅 Asia Cup 2025 Schedule & Key Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 9 | Hong Kong vs Afghanistan | Abu Dhabi |
| Sep10 | India vs UAE | Dubai |
| Sep 12 | Oman vs Pakistan | Dubai |
| Sep 20-26 | Super 4 Clash | Abu Dhabi |
| Sep 28 | Final | Dubai |
The India vs Pakistan match on September 14, 2025 is expected to be a sell-out and one of the most-watched sporting events globally.
🔍 Rich Analysis & Predictions
Who Are the Favourites?
According to Akram and several cricket experts, India’s squad depth, batting power, and bowling balance make them the top favourites.
Contenders for the Trophy
- India 🇮🇳 → Squad depth unmatched
- Pakistan 🇵🇰 → Strong pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi
- Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 → Defending champions, dangerous in UAE conditions
- Afghanistan 🇦🇫 → Rising stars like Rashid Khan & Gurbaz could cause upsets
📢 Wasim Akram’s Final Words
“India are the favourites, but don’t rule out Pakistan or Afghanistan. T20 cricket is unpredictable — one big over can change everything.”
This statement perfectly sums up the Asia Cup 2025: unpredictable, intense, and thrilling.
🏆 Conclusion
With Wasim Akram backing India as the hot favourites for the Asia Cup 2025, expectations are sky-high for Rohit Sharma’s men. However, with teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan in the mix, the road to glory won’t be easy.
Cricket fans around the globe are in for explosive matches, breathtaking moments, and unforgettable rivalries.
Stay tuned for Asia Cup 2025 news, match previews, expert predictions, and live updates.
❓ FAQs – Asia Cup 2025
Q1. Who is hosting Asia Cup 2025?
A: The UAE is hosting the Asia Cup 2025, with matches in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.
Q2. Who are the favourites to win Asia Cup 2025?
A: According to Wasim Akram and several cricket experts, India are the clear favourites due to their balanced squad and recent form.
Q3. When is India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025?
A: The India vs Pakistan clash is scheduled for September 14, 2025, in Dubai.
Q4. Which format will Asia Cup 2025 follow?
A: Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the T20I format.
Q5. Can Afghanistan cause an upset in Asia Cup 2025?
A: Absolutely! With stars like Rashid Khan, Gurbaz, and Naveen-ul-Haq, Afghanistan are a genuine dark horse in this tournament.