Shoaib Akhtar comes up with a bold message ahead of the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final
Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has issued a bold challenge to the national team ahead of their high-stakes India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final. Urging the players to shed all fear and self-doubt, Akhtar called on Pakistan to break the psychological barrier and aura that surrounds their arch-rivals. The much-anticipated final, scheduled for Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium, holds historical significance as it marks the first-ever India-Pakistan final in the 41-year history of the tournament. India have already beaten Pakistan twice in this edition of the Asia Cup, asserting their dominance in the group stage and the Super Fours.
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025: Shoaib Akhtar joins in the war of words
However, Pakistan showed resilience and determination in their final Super Four encounter against Bangladesh, securing a hard-fought 11-run victory. Defending a modest total of 135/8, pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi (3/17) and Haris Rauf (3/33) produced a spirited bowling performance to restrict Bangladesh to 124/9, punching their ticket to the final. The win not only ensured Pakistan’s place in the summit clash but also injected much-needed confidence into the camp. Akhtar believes that to stand a chance against a strong Indian side, Pakistan must carry the same fearless mindset and intensity, leaving behind any baggage from past defeats.
"Come out of this mindset, keep their aura aside. Just break their aura. Just play with this mindset that you had in the match against Bangladesh. This is the kind of mindset you need. You don't need to bowl 20 overs; you just need to get wickets," stated former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar believes that Pakistan has the necessary firepower to defeat India in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 final. Backing the Men in Green to rise to the occasion, Akhtar highlighted the strength of their bowling attack as the key to turning the tide. He praised Shaheen Shah Afridi as the best fast bowler in the world right now, citing his ability to strike early and change the game’s momentum. Akhtar also pointed out that Haris Rauf’s raw pace provides a crucial edge, making him a potential game-changer in high-pressure situations.
However, Akhtar emphasized that one of the biggest threats to Pakistan’s chances is India’s in-form opener, Abhishek Sharma who was at the top of his game in the last IND vs PAK encounter. The young left-hander has been a revelation in the tournament, scoring consistently against top-quality bowling attacks. Akhtar stressed that dismissing Abhishek early will be vital for Pakistan. In their previous encounter, Abhishek dismantled the Pakistani bowling lineup with a blistering 74 off just 35 balls, leading India to a comfortable chase of 172. His aggressive approach at the top has set the tone for India’s batting throughout the tournament, and Akhtar believes neutralizing him early could be the key to breaking India’s dominance and swinging the momentum in Pakistan’s favor.
"Mark my words, if Abhishek Sharma gets out in the first two overs, they will get in trouble. The starts they are getting, they are going to struggle if Abhishek gets out early. It's not like that, Abhishek will not mistime the ball; he will do that; you just need to go for the kill. If you come out fighting, India will realise that we have to work hard for our runs," Akhtar added.
Shoaib Akhtar also highlighted the growing influence of India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, ahead of the high-stakes India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final. The former pacer believes Gambhir's presence in the dressing room has added a new edge to the Indian team, bringing intensity, clarity, and a fierce winning mentality. Known for his aggressive mindset and no-nonsense approach, Gambhir is expected to push his players to elevate their performance and approach the final with a ruthless attitude.
Akhtar predicted that under Gambhir’s leadership, India would be highly motivated and tactically sharp, with every player knowing their role clearly. He believes Gambhir’s drive to win, especially against Pakistan, will reflect in how the team approaches the final. With two wins over Pakistan already in this tournament, Akhtar feels Gambhir will be keen to make it three in a row — and lift the trophy in dominant fashion to mark his early success as head coach.
"I know Gautam Gambhir. He will tell his team that 'you need to bring your A game against Pakistan'. Pakistan will play the worst cricket, they will pick the worst side, but as soon as they reach the final, they play the best cricket, and they win the finals. It has happened so my times with us," concluded Akhtar.
