Asia Cup 2025; Shahid Afridi optimistic of Pakistan’s chances to qualify for final

Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Khan Afridi expressed hope that Pakistan will qualify for the Asia Cup 2025 final, stressing that the upcoming match against Bangladesh is of great importance.

Speaking at a press conference, Afridi highlighted that 65 percent of Pakistan’s population consists of youth, whose potential must be utilized. He said Vision Pakistan would serve as an important platform for young people, as every individual must take the country’s responsibilities as their own.

Shahid Afridi added that Pakistan is full of talent but professional experts need to be brought into cricket academies to polish it. Addressing Mohsin Naqvi, he said reviving domestic cricket is his responsibility, noting that neighboring countries improved their system by investing in domestic structures. He emphasized the vital role of a captain, admitting that the absence of Naseem Shah was felt in the squad and that Babar Azam should also have been included.

According to Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s batsmen lack consistency, and the team needs to focus equally on batting, bowling, and fielding. He praised the team’s victory in the previous match but stressed that tomorrow’s clash with Bangladesh will be decisive for reaching the final.

Commenting on Pakistan-India relations, Afridi said that the refusal to shake hands was the beginning of animosity from India’s side. He noted that while educated people exist in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mindset is negative, and if India is unwilling to talk, then nothing can move forward.