Pakistan’s team has secured a place in the Asia Cup 2025 final after defeating Bangladesh. This sets up a final match against India. This marks the first time in the 41-year history of the Asia Cup that India and Pakistan will compete in the final. The Pakistani team’s captain, Salman Agha, and coach, Mike Hesson, have issued statements that could be perceived as a warning to the Indian team.
Upon reaching the final, Salman Agha and Mike Hesson made bold claims. They asserted their readiness to face India in the final. Agha stated that his team is capable of defeating any opponent. He added that they will come fully prepared to win against India in the upcoming match.
Coach Mike Hesson noted their victory over Sri Lanka, a team they hadn’t beaten since 2017, and the fact they’ve now reached the Asia Cup final. This implies that their team is confident of overcoming India in the final.
These statements raise questions considering Pakistan’s previous losses to India in this very Asia Cup. India’s captain does not view Pakistan as a major rival. This is the third encounter between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. Despite the same Pakistani team and leadership, their previous matches resulted in defeats, making their claims of victory in the final all the more intriguing.