Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has made a bold statement regarding the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan, specifically focusing on the anticipated contest between Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman. The two nations are set to meet in Dubai on September 14, 2025.

Pathan believes that Zaman "doesn't stand a chance" against Bumrah if the Indian bowler brings his 'A game' to the match. He highlighted Bumrah's controlled and intelligent bowling in the recent game against the UAE, noting that Bumrah seemed at ease and bowled with precision. Pathan anticipates that Bumrah will be in a "different zone" when facing Pakistan, increasing his pace and intensity.

Pathan emphasized Bumrah's ability to bowl inswinging yorkers to left-handed batsmen like Zaman, a skill that Zaman will need to be particularly wary of. He lauded Bumrah's understanding of how to set up batters and when to unleash his lethal yorker.

Saba Karim, another former Indian cricketer, also weighed in on Bumrah's proficiency with the yorker, recalling an instance from Bumrah's debut T20I series against Australia in 2016 where he dismissed James Faulkner with a brilliant yorker after being hit for a six. Karim believes that Bumrah's ability to bowl yorkers is a key reason for his inclusion in the national team, praising Bumrah for continually improving his yorker and reaching new heights.

Pathan has previously lauded Bumrah as the greatest white-ball bowler in Indian cricket history. Following India's victory over Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Bumrah took 3 wickets for just 14 runs, Pathan described Bumrah as India's "bank," a bowler who can be relied upon to deliver in crucial situations. He also highlighted Bumrah's exceptional mindset and ability to execute precise bowling strategies.

Waqar Younis, the former Pakistan fast bowler, has also spoken highly of Bumrah, noting that he puts "terror in the batters' minds". Younis pointed out that even Bumrah's full tosses are difficult to hit because of the fear he instills in the opposition.

These statements highlight the anticipation and high stakes surrounding the Bumrah-Zaman matchup in the upcoming Asia Cup clash. Pathan's strong conviction in Bumrah's dominance reflects the bowler's reputation as a game-changer and a key weapon in India's arsenal.