Pakistan Coach Clarifies Position on Controversial Gestures Ahead of Asia Cup 2025 Final Against India

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson delivered a clear message to his team following the controversy sparked by Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan’s gestures during the Asia Cup Super 4 match against India.

Pakistan Aims to Focus on Cricket Ahead of Asia Cup 2025 Final

Hammered by India twice in the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan managed to reach the final by narrowly defeating Bangladesh on Thursday. As India and Pakistan prepare to face each other for the third time in the tournament, emotions are expected to run high, recalling the Super 4 clash last Sunday when Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan sparked controversies with their in-match gestures.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson emphasized that his team must concentrate solely on cricket in the title-decider on Sunday. A complaint has already been lodged by the BCCI against Haris and Sahibzada for their provocative actions in the match against India, and the ICC verdict is awaited.

“Look, my message to the players is just focus on cricket and that certainly we will be doing. In terms of gestures there has always been passion in terms of high-pressure games,” said Hesson.

Asia Cup: Earlier in the tournament, during India’s first clash with Pakistan, Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with the opposition, prompting Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to skip the post-match press conference.

Pakistan Aims to Break India’s Dominance Ahead of Asia Cup Final

In their previous encounters, India comfortably outplayed Pakistan, winning by seven wickets in the Group A match and by six wickets in the Super Four stage. This extended India’s unbeaten streak against Pakistan to seven international matches since 2022, including three ODIs and four T20Is.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson emphasized the need for his team to be relentless against the world champions.

“We have to be good enough to put India under pressure for longer because there is a reason why they are ranked the top side in the world. We have to put them under pressure and that will be our challenge,” he said.

In the first match, Pakistan managed just 127-9, which India chased with ease for the loss of three wickets. Though Pakistan improved in the second encounter, they still lost by six wickets.

“I think the way we played against India in the last match was a huge step up from the first game. The first game was a bit passive; we allowed India to control the game. The last match we had that game by the scruff of the neck for long periods, and it took an exceptional innings from Abhishek Sharma that took the game away from us,“ Hesson added.

Hesson believes Pakistan deserves their place in the final and aims to capitalize on the opportunity.

“We have deserved this opportunity, so it’s now up to us to make the most of it. We have been trying to be in a position to win the trophy,” he concluded.

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