As India and Pakistan prepare for a high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai on Sunday, former England spinner Monty Panesar has cautioned India to remain wary of their arch-rivals, calling Pakistan a “dangerous team” with “nothing to lose.”
India and Pakistan will be meeting for the third consecutive Sunday in this edition of the tournament, but this clash carries the ultimate prize—the Asia Cup title. While India enter the final as favourites, having convincingly beaten Pakistan in their previous encounters, Panesar warned that complacency could prove costly.
“Pakistan is a dangerous team. They have got nothing to lose. While playing in the final, they could play their best game of cricket. India has performed the best throughout the tournament, but they need to be really mindful,” Panesar told ANI.
Drawing parallels to the 2017 Champions Trophy final—when Pakistan stunned India by 180 runs—Panesar said the Men in Green still have the ability to deliver an upset if India let their guard down. “Pakistan is probably not as strong as it used to be, but on its day, it could still beat India. They have to be careful not to become too complacent,” he added.
Led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, India have showcased dominant form throughout the Asia Cup, while Pakistan, captained by Salman Ali Agha, have struggled for consistency but remain a threat in crunch games.
The much-anticipated final at the Dubai International Stadium promises a gripping contest as the two cricketing giants lock horns with no second chances left.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Pakistan Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.