The stage is set for the biggest encounter of the Asia Cup 2025 as arch-rivals India and Pakistan come face to face in a group stage clash on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Both teams are off to a flying start in the tournament. While India comfortably beat hosts UAE by nine wickets in their tournament opener, Pakistan blew away minnows Oman by 93 runs on Friday.
Now the focus shifts to Dubai, where the two rival nations will come head-to-head to determine the possible group toppers for the Super Four stage.
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Pakistan's squad selection for the Asia Cup 2025 created quite a stir as the team management omitted seasoned campaigners like Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan from the roster, due to their inconsistency in the white-ball formats.
Now, former Pakistan star and legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has now shared his opinion on the squad selection, while claiming Babar Azam should have been in the team.
READ: Doeschate opens up on on outrage over IND facing PAK in Asia Cup
Shoaib Akhtar laments Babar Azam's absence in Asia Cup 2025
Akhtar felt that Babar Azam, with his experience in the shortest format and his impeccable past record, should have walked into the team without a doubt and if the management had to sacrifice someone, it should have been anyone but Aza.
Speaking on Tapmad Entertainment ahead of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash, Akhtar said: "Honestly, if you ask me in this team, we are missing him (Babar Azam). If you had to sacrifice someone, it should have been someone with Babar in the team."
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