Ex-Pakistan players riling up the India vs Pakistan rivalry ahead of Asia Cup 2025 clash

The heat might be backed by sheer contempt for an India vs Pakistan clash this time, but it's still there, continuing to define the arch-rivalry. Arguably the most awaited contest of the Asia Cup 2025, the fixture between the neighbours is just a day away now. Despite noisy calls across the nation to call off the meet-up, the Indian government and the BCCI have green-lit the Asia Cup fixture. Now, with the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match facing no hurdles, former Pakistani players have jumped onto the scene. Adding fuel to the already roaring fire, the likes of Tanvir Ahmed and Kamran Akmal have made rather ambitious, almost delusional, predictions for the match.

Tanvir Ahmed, Kamran Akmal issue warning for Men in Blue ahead of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash

Team India started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant 9-wicket victory over UAE. Restricting the opponents to just 57, India chased down the lowly target within just 5 overs, announcing their stature as the favorites in the tournament. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India is currently ranked atop the ICC team rankings in the format. The Asian league has pitted the reigning T20 World Cup champions against UAE, Oman, and Pakistan in Group A.

With hopes low for a thrilling battle against Oman after the India vs UAE showdown, all eyes are on the India vs Pakistan match. Pakistan, coming off their win in the UAE tri-series, is positioned well to pose a challenge to the leading opponents. Yet, a contest does not equate to a win for the Salman Agha-led side. Sure, there's rivalry and there's history, but the same history shows that the Men in Blue have been clearly far ahead in the head-to-head against Pakistan.

However, it seems that the track record does not matter to former Pakistan players. The Playing XI for the India vs UAE Asia Cup campaign opener included Jasprit Bumrah as the sole specialist pacer in the Indian lineup. The senior speedster, meanwhile, is likely to play the next group-stage fixture as well. As the moment of Bumrah bowling to the Pakistani lineup inches closer, Tanvir Ahmed has made an audacious statement.

In his prediction for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match, the former Pakistani player claimed that Saim Ayub would smash Bumrah for six sixes. While Ayub is a talented young player, the likelihood of the opener managing to tackle and overpower Bumrah seems far-fetched. In fact, stats show that the Indian pace spearhead has bowled over 390 deliveries, 65 overs, without conceding a six against the arch-rivals.

"I think Saim Ayub will hit Bumrah for six sixes in this Asia Cup," Ahmed remarked.

Moving on, Ahmed is not the only former Pakistani player with inflated confidence ahead of the India vs Pakistan match at the Asia Cup. The ex-wicketkeeper has warned India about getting surprised by his side. Similar claims were made earlier this year before the ICC Champions Trophy clash between the rivals. However, the 'surprise' was unfounded as India thrashed the hosts in the group-stage clash.

“It will be a pressure game for both sides. Many of the young players will be playing against each other for the first time,” Kamran Akmal said. “Our team has recently won the tri-series. The confidence from winning the series should benefit Pakistan. Pakistan can surprise India if they come up with a good game plan and Playing XI,” he added.

Pakistan is scheduled to start its campaign on Friday against Oman. India is already on a winning run with a dominant victory over UAE. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the upcoming fixture is mounting by the minute. Amid loud calls for pulling out of the contest, the Indian audience has raised its voice to 'boycott' the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match.