T20 Asia-Cup 2025 final match played between Pakistan & India on 28th September 2025 was an exciting see saw battle. However, it could have easily won by Pakistan, If Pakistan had not missed certain match winning chances, like the crucial run-out opportunity of Tilak Varma, at that instance, to our astonishment, Muhammad Harris seemed frozen holding the ball still in his gloves and not taking the bails off, another one was the dropped catch of Sanju Samson by Hussain Talat on the bowling of Abrar. Moreover, a major Captaincy error was observed and that was not giving more overs to spinners on such a gripping track was baffling. Furthermore, earlier in first innings, after a rare and dream opening stand given by Sahibzada Farhan & Fakhar Zaman, reckless and irresponsible batting by middle order batters including the skipper, from a solid position of 113/1 to dismaying 146 all out was disheartening . Finally, Haris Rauf’s heedless bowling spells proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Pakistan.

Modi led extremist BJP Indian government has tarnished the image of cricket and brought the game of cricket into extreme disrepute by involving politics in Gentleman’s game of cricket. Thus India, no doubt lost cricketing respect, by not appearing at the presentation ceremony. Either you play abiding all the rules and protocols of the game or do not play at all, Politics should not be mixed with sports. Although, world is aware of the fact that Indian cricket team players were mere pawns and puppets, they were being directed & dictated by the extremist Indian government only to give certain political statements, No hand-shakes and petty behaviors like quickly running towards the dressing room and closing doors after the match, so that no Pakistani player or official should approach them for hand shake and congratulatory gestures. Moreover, displaying derogatory behaviour by not receiving the winning trophy from ACC chairman because he is a Pakistani, what a pity. This behaviour is detestable, ICC & World cricketing bodies must take action against India and penalise BCCI and Indian cricket, otherwise, we will soon be witnessing cricket RIP.

Accolades to Sahibzada Farhan for his 57 on (38) including 3 sixes and 5 fours, with a SR (150), Farhan backed his game-style with courage and dismantled the over-hyped Indian bowling attack all over the stands, sending the ball over the fence resembling meteors in the sky. Fakhar Zaman played a vital role with Farhan as the other opener scoring 46 on (35). Saim Ayub got out on cut shot towards gully-point on the bowling of Kuldeep Yadav and managed just 14 on (11). At this stage of the game some critical thinking and wise decision making was required from Captain Agha to send someone else at number 3, who is in better form perhaps Nawaz or Faheem to capitalize the advantage & platform laid by the opening batters. Muhammad Harris was given the opportunity to bat at 4 but his lofted punch, a suicide shot towards long-off rather than having a full swing of the bat, on the bowling of Axar Patel, straight in the hands of sub-fielder Rinku Singh was a very important turning point. After that Pakistani batters fell like a house of cards. Captain Salman Ali Agha had a miserable Asia cup campaign as a batter with an alarming strike rate of 113. Agha scored just 72 runs in 7 matches of Asia Cup. This raises a very important question that, what was the fuss about Babar Azam’s strike rate then?, well that is Pakistan cricket for you. Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah were the wrong selections in the squad, Hassan Nawaz and Sufyan Muqeem have been treated unfairly, they should have played, at least one of them. Bits and pieces players are going to damage Pakistan cricket long-term, specially in decider & blockbuster games, they are bound to falter. Therefore, Pakistani cricket management and selectors seriously need to start selecting a mix of specialists and all rounders. Muhammad Nawaz & Faheem Ashraf best fill the all-rounder roles, there is no need to add more all rounders, bear in mind, Saim Ayub can bowl as well.

In spite of the loss in Asia cup Final against India, Pakistan team can make a quick turnaround with right selection and right team balance for the T20 World Cup 2026. Babar Azam’s return seems imminent, that will bring stability in the middle order. One good sign for Pakistan is Shaheen Afridi’s bowling form. Shaheen is getting his rhythm and swing back and bowling at faster speeds (above 140 Kph) than before. Besides, Pakistan is now having a potent spin attack comprising Abrar, Nawaz, Muqeem & Saim.

There is no need to press panic button for wholesale changes. Players alone are not responsible for T20 Asia-Cup debacle, PCB-Management, Selectors and Coaches all should be held accountable. Revoking of players NOC’s to play in different T20 leagues is not going to motivate players.