5 Pakistan Stars Who Could Haunt India in Asia Cup 2025

India may have dominated Pakistan in recent ICC tournaments, but the Asia Cup 2025 could bring new challenges. Pakistan have undergone a major reset since their early exit from last year’s World Cup.

Senior names like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are out of the T20I plans, and a younger, more aggressive squad is being backed under new captain Salman Ali Agha.

As Suryakumar Yadav’s India prepare for the tournament, here are five Pakistan players who could prove dangerous.

5. Haris Rauf

One of the quickest bowlers in the world, Haris Rauf thrives on pace and aggression. He has 120 wickets in 87 T20Is, with best figures of 4/18. Though he can be expensive, striking at key moments makes him Pakistan’s go-to weapon in crunch overs.

4. Hasan Nawaz

At just 23, Hasan Nawaz is fast making a name for himself. After a rough start with two ducks, he smashed a century in his third T20I. In 16 matches, he has a strike rate of 174.13, showing he is capable of taking down attacks with fearless hitting. India will be wary of his explosive batting.

3. Fakhar Zaman

An experienced opener, Fakhar Zaman needs no introduction. His century in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India is still fresh in fans’ memory. In T20Is, he has nearly 2,000 runs at a strike rate of 131.77. If he fires early, India’s bowlers could be under pressure.

2. Abrar Ahmed

Known for his deceptive spin, Abrar Ahmed made headlines in the Champions Trophy earlier this year by dismissing Shubman Gill and giving him a fiery send-off. That battle is set for another chapter in the Asia Cup. His ability to pick up big wickets makes him one to watch.

1. Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi’s left-arm pace and swing with the new ball can dismantle top orders in no time. With 104 wickets in 81 T20Is at an economy of 7.88, he will once again lead Pakistan’s attack and test India’s openers.