The much-anticipated Pakistan vs India clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 is just around the corner. After their tournament opener against Oman, Pakistan will lock horns with arch-rivals India on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium a venue that has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in subcontinental cricketing history.
In the build-up to this high-voltage encounter, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt shared his insights during a podcast appearance. His comments sparked discussion among fans, as he laid out why India enter the contest as favorites, while also naming the two Pakistani players who could swing the match in their team’s favor.
India Start as Favorites – Butt’s Perspective
Salman Butt made no attempt to downplay the challenge Pakistan faces against their traditional rivals.
“Pakistan can win, but they don’t start as favourites. That’s clear. On paper, you’re not the favourites. So maybe it’s 70–30, or 65–35, those are the percentages as I see them,” he explained.
Butt highlighted India’s recent form, depth of talent, and wealth of experience as reasons why they appear stronger heading into the clash. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment: while Pakistan’s unpredictability makes them dangerous, India’s consistency across formats gives them an undeniable edge.
Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan’s Trump Cards
The former captain was quick to identify the two men he believes could alter the course of the contest — Fakhar Zaman with the bat and Shaheen Afridi with the ball.
- Fakhar Zaman: Known for his explosive starts, Fakhar has often been a thorn in India’s side. Butt emphasized the importance of an “extended cameo,” making it clear that a brief burst won’t be enough. A powerful 60 or 70 from Fakhar could put immense pressure on India’s bowlers and provide Pakistan with the momentum they need in a high-pressure chase or while setting a target.
- Shaheen Afridi: Butt’s faith in Shaheen is no surprise. The left-arm pacer has a reputation for dismantling top orders early, and Butt recalled how his fiery spells have previously unsettled India’s batting unit.
“If Shaheen takes three wickets up front he has done that before then India’s whole batting lineup gets unsettled. That’s how last time you got a target of around 150, “Butt noted
These two players, he stressed, could single-handedly tilt the game in Pakistan’s favor if they rise to the occasion.
The Importance of Extended Contributions
While highlighting individual brilliance, Butt also underlined the need for sustained performances rather than brief flashes.
“By cameo, I don’t mean just scoring a quick 30. You’ll need an extended cameo — and a player like him can deliver that. But on paper, if you look at performances, experience, output, and even confidence levels, then I think India has the upper hand,” he said.
This insight underscores a crucial aspect of modern-day T20 cricket: a single impactful innings or spell can shape the game, but it often requires longer stretches of dominance to overcome a team as well-rounded as India.
India’s Strength in Depth
Butt didn’t stop at praising India’s immediate XI; he pointed to the depth in their cricketing ecosystem.
“Yes, India tends to exaggerate a lot and makes big claims they can even put out three full teams at once. If you look at the system that has been running until recently, that’s true,” he remarked.
His observation alludes to India’s domestic setup and the Indian Premier League (IPL), which continually produce ready-made talent. Unlike Pakistan, where the national team often leans heavily on a few match-winners, India’s bench strength allows them to rotate squads without losing quality. This structural advantage is one of the reasons why experts and analysts, like Butt, often give India the upper hand in major tournaments.
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Historical Context: Why This Rivalry Matters
The Pakistan-India rivalry transcends cricket, carrying layers of history, politics, and cultural pride. Matches between the two sides are watched by millions worldwide, often becoming the most viewed sporting events of the year.
- Memorable moments: From Javed Miandad’s last-ball six in Sharjah to Shahid Afridi’s blitzes and Virat Kohli’s masterclasses, the rivalry has produced unforgettable highlights.
- Psychological edge: Pakistan broke a long-standing drought in ICC tournaments by defeating India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, thanks to Shaheen Afridi’s heroics. That memory still fuels confidence among Pakistani fans.
- Asia Cup legacy: Both teams have used Asia Cup matches as a platform to test combinations ahead of global events like the ICC World Cup. This year’s clash is no different, with both sides eyeing momentum.
What This Means for Pakistan
For Pakistan, Butt’s comments serve as both a reality check and a roadmap. Yes, India may look stronger on paper, but cricket is often decided by moments of brilliance and Pakistan has the players capable of producing those moments.
- If Fakhar Zaman fires at the top, Pakistan can put India under pressure early.
- If Shaheen Afridi delivers a trademark new-ball spell, the match could swing dramatically.
- However, without extended contributions, the balance is likely to remain in India’s favor.
Final Thoughts
Salman Butt’s assessment of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 showdown captures the mood perfectly: India walk in as favorites, but Pakistan have the tools to cause an upset. Fakhar Zaman’s aggression and Shaheen Afridi’s pace will be crucial, but the Green Shirts must also show resilience across departments to overcome a well-oiled Indian machine.
As the countdown to September 14 begins, one thing is certain the cricketing world will be watching, and the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in this storied rivalry.
