As the cricketing world braces for the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025, former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has stirred controversy with a scathing critique of Pakistan’s team, branding them as “below average” and mocking their recent win over Oman. With the match set to unfold in Dubai on September 14, Srikkanth’s remarks have added fuel to an already fiery rivalry.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 1983 World Cup-winning opener dismissed Pakistan’s 93-run victory over Oman as inconsequential, joking that the team they beat was “full of uncles”—a reference to Oman’s aging squad. He further questioned the quality of Pakistan’s batting and bowling, asserting that they would struggle against India’s young and dynamic lineup.
“Pakistan is a below average side with bat and ball. Even Shaheen Afridi isn’t anything deadly. Yes, they beat an Oman side full of players above 34–35. That team is full of uncles. So beating them shows nothing. At my age, even I can captain Oman now,” Srikkanth said.
India vs Pakistan: Asia Cup 2025 Match Preview
The upcoming Group A fixture between India and Pakistan is one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. Both teams come into the clash with opening wins—India defeated UAE convincingly, while Pakistan thrashed Oman. However, the stakes are higher than ever, with both sides fielding revamped squads and eyeing momentum ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
| Match Details | India vs Pakistan – Asia Cup 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | September 14, 2025 |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| Format | T20I |
| Group | Group A |
| Start Time | 7:30 PM IST |
Srikkanth’s Breakdown of Pakistan’s Weaknesses
Srikkanth didn’t hold back in his analysis, targeting individual players and Pakistan’s overall strategy. He criticized Mohammad Haris for having a limited hitting range and predicted that Varun Chakravarthy would expose his weaknesses. He also claimed Fakhar Zaman would struggle against Kuldeep Yadav’s spin.
| Player Critique | Srikkanth’s Remarks |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Haris | “Limited to square leg and mid-wicket” |
| Fakhar Zaman | “Will be done in by Kuldeep Yadav” |
| Shaheen Afridi | “Not deadly, looked good only vs Oman” |
| Saim Ayub | “Dismissal shows Mike Hesson’s influence” |
He further ridiculed Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson, questioning his coaching credentials and mocking his claim that Mohammad Nawaz is the best spinner in the world.
“Whatever team he has coached has never done well. He coached RCB and they won nothing at that time. How are Pakistan going to do well under his coaching?” Srikkanth added.
India’s Recent Dominance in T20Is
Backing his confidence in India’s superiority, Srikkanth pointed to the Men in Blue’s stellar T20I record. India has won 25 of their last 28 T20I matches, including their triumphant campaign at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The current squad features rising stars like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, and Rinku Singh, supported by seasoned campaigners such as Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah.
| India’s T20I Record | Last 28 Matches |
|---|---|
| Wins | 25 |
| Losses | 3 |
| World Cup 2024 | Champions |
This form has made India the team to beat, and Srikkanth believes Pakistan’s aging and inconsistent lineup will be no match.
Head-to-Head: India vs Pakistan in T20Is
While India holds a slight edge in recent T20I encounters, Pakistan has managed to pull off wins in Dubai, making the venue a psychological battleground. The last five T20I meetings between the two sides have seen India win three and Pakistan two.
| Head-to-Head (Last 5 T20Is) | Winner | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | Pakistan | Dubai |
| Match 2 | India | Melbourne |
| Match 3 | India | Colombo |
| Match 4 | Pakistan | Dubai |
| Match 5 | India | Ahmedabad |
Despite Pakistan’s occasional success, Srikkanth insists that the current Indian squad is “in a different league.”
Pakistan’s Squad Under Scrutiny
Pakistan’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 has undergone significant changes, with senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan dropped in favor of younger talent. Captain Salman Agha leads a side that includes Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, and Shadab Khan. While the team showed promise in their win over Oman, critics argue that the real test lies ahead.
| Pakistan Squad Highlights | Role |
|---|---|
| Salman Agha | Captain, Allrounder |
| Mohammad Haris | Batter |
| Saim Ayub | Opener |
| Shaheen Afridi | Fast Bowler |
| Mohammad Nawaz | Spinner |
Srikkanth’s comments reflect a broader skepticism about Pakistan’s ability to perform under pressure, especially against a well-oiled Indian unit.
Fan Reactions and Media Buzz
Srikkanth’s remarks have ignited debate across social media, with fans from both nations weighing in. While Indian supporters have echoed his confidence, Pakistani fans have called the comments disrespectful and premature. The clash has now taken on added emotional intensity, with pride and reputation on the line.
Conclusion: A War of Words Before the War on the Field
As India and Pakistan prepare to face off in Dubai, Krishnamachari Srikkanth’s blunt assessment has added a layer of drama to an already electrifying fixture. Whether Pakistan can silence their critics or India will reaffirm their dominance remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the cricketing world will be watching every ball, every wicket, and every moment with bated breath.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, match previews, and verified news reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional sports analysis or betting advice. All match details and opinions are subject to change based on official updates and team performances.
