Madan Lal says India Favoured to Win Asia Cup 2025, Afghanistan Seen as Pakistan Challenger

Former India cricketer Madan Lal, in an interview with ANI, asserted that India remain the strong favourites to win Asia Cup 2025, citing their skilled squad. He added that Afghanistan is seen as a potential challenger to Pakistan, whose current performance and confidence levels are being questioned. Lal stated that Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are also considered strong contenders in the event, underscoring the unpredictability of the T20 format and the varying performances of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

Pakistan has announced its squad for the Asia Cup 2025. After the squad reveal, Pakistan chief selector Aaqib Javed told reporters that the team is confident it can beat India during the tournament. He emphasised the importance of the India-Pakistan clash, saying, “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 added, “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.” The Men in Green are scheduled to face the Men in Blue on September 14, with a potential rematch later in the event. Head Coach Mike Hesson also weighed in on the team’s composition, criticizing the need to scrutinise form too harshly.

He stated, “I think it’s really harsh to challenge a player on their form in three games,” at a press conference. He noted that Babar Azam had performed well in the first ODI but “missed out on the next two,” and said there is “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,” before confirming that Babar had been omitted from the squad for the tournament.

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