Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, captains of India and Pakistan shared their thoughts on tournament favorites. During a joint press conference, both leaders played down the idea of any team being a clear favorite. They stressed that the T20 format is too unpredictable for any team to feel overconfident.
Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha said the game can change in just a couple of overs. He emphasized that momentum in T20 cricket is fragile. “In this format, no one is particularly a favorite,” he stated, reflecting the format’s unpredictability.
India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav echoed similar views with a firm response. “Who said India is favorite? I have not heard that anywhere,” he remarked. His comments pointed toward the strong competition across all eight participating teams.
The tournament kicks off on September 14 in Dubai, with Pakistan facing Afghanistan in the opener. Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. Group B features Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong. The top two from each group will qualify for the Super Four stage, with the final set for September 28.
Officials are focusing on fair play and discipline as fans eagerly await high-profile clashes, especially Pakistan vs. India. With captains urging caution in predicting outcomes, Asia Cup 2025 promises thrilling, closely fought games where anything can happen on the day.