Asia Cup 2025: After a lot of deliberations, India and Pakistan are finally going to go up against each other in the upcoming Asia Cup starting on 9 September.
There is also a massive possibility of the bitter rivals facing each other, including in the final. The Pakistani side is under a lot of scrutiny following their ODI series loss against the lower-ranked West Indies recently. Former Cricketers from the country have been forefront in directing the criticism towards the current side.
Former Pakistan Cricketer Ahmed Shehzad stated that the recently concluded Windies tour has the entire country heartbroken, however, he is hoping that Rizwan and his men can overcome India and restore some glory back.
“If you ask me, the recent performance of Pakistan has not been that good, and it’s not hidden from anyone. If you compare them with India, they are far ahead, which is an undeniable fact,” Shehzad said.
“But for me, when India and Pakistan play together, the chances are always fifty-fifty as it’s a pressure game. Pressure brings both teams on the same page because the chances of committing errors are almost equal in both camps. India may have more match-winners than Pakistan, but pressure can sting them anytime,” he added.
10 saal se khelte jaa rahe hain: Shahzad
Shehzad also made his stance clear on the role of the team management for not providing enough chances to the youngsters, and beating around the bush regarding the performances of the seniors who are part of the side for last 10 years.
“I wish the Pakistan team all the best. They not only beat India but also win the Asia Cup and make the citizens of the country happy. The people of Pakistan are unhappy with their performance. They tend to recall the old days when the team was reckoning force,” Shehzad said.
“They are sad because the team isn’t giving enough opportunities to the youngsters. Recently, they were defeated by the West Indies in the ODIs, which let the people down.”
“Awaam kehti hai ki naye players ko develop karte hue agar aap haar jayein to it’s ok. But wo players jin pe investment hui hai, jo 10 saal se khelte hi ja rahe hain, jinhone matches nahi jitwaye, aisi investment sabka dil todte hain. [It’s acceptable if the team loses nurturing the young talent. But if they get defeated with the players who have been hanging around for a decade, that’s unacceptable. Players who have been heavily invested in, those who are here for 10 years but haven’t won anything, those who haven’t performed up to the mark, such players have left the people of Pakistan heartbroken],” he concluded.