Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has made a startling claim ahead of the India versus Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match on Sunday (September 21). The arch-rivals are slated to square off in the Super 4 stage of the continental event at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Ahead of the high-octane fixture, Ramiz has said that the current Pakistani team is not capable of beating any of the top five teams in the world.

Ramiz’s assessment came when he was asked about his opinion on bringing Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to the T20I fold.

“They (Babar and Rizwan) should definitely return to Pakistan’s T20I team. Pakistan have touched two extremes regarding selection and regarding performance. You need to decide for how long you’re going to lose these kinds of one-sided matches. I have seen this current team from very close quarters. I feel this team has the ability to defeat the sixth- or seventh-ranked team in the world. Against the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th ranked teams, we will win, but against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th ranked teams, we will get thrashed," Ramiz said while speaking on a Pakistani channel.

When asked if Pakistan can defeat any of the top five teams, Ramiz replied, “Bahut mushkil hai (It’s very difficult). Mujhe nahi lagta ki is waqt… (I don’t think so at this point…)."

Notably, the Men in Green were outclassed by the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian side in the group-stage of the ongoing Asia Cup last Sunday (September 14).

Pakistan’s innings was restricted to a paltry 127/9 in 20 overs after they won the toss and opted to bat first. Barring Sahibzada Farhan (40) and Shaheen Afridi (33), no other batter managed to cross the 30-run mark.

Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3-18) and spin all-rounder Axar Patel (2-18) led the charge, tightening the screws with stunning spells. Jasprit Bumrah (2-28), Varun Chakaravarthy (1-24) and Hardik Pandya (1-34) shared the remaining five scalps among them.

In reply, the Men in Blue made light work of the chase, reaching the target in 15.5 overs. While Abhishek Sharma stole the show with 13-ball 31 at the top, skipper Suryakumar finished the job with 37-ball 47*. Tilak Varma also contributed run-a-ball 31.