Pakistan Coach Urges Players to Avoid Gestures Ahead of Asia Cup Final

Pakistan's cricket team coach Mike Hesson has emphasised the importance of concentrating on the game as tensions simmer ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against India on Sunday. The high-stakes encounter marks the third meeting between the arch-rivals in the tournament, following Pakistan's two defeats to India earlier in the group stage and Super Four phase. Despite the losses, Pakistan advanced to the final after a hard-fought victory over Bangladesh on Thursday, setting up a rematch fraught with historical rivalry and recent off-field drama.

The controversy erupted during Pakistan's Super Four loss to India last Sunday, when fast bowler Haris Rauf and opener Sahibzada Farhan made gestures perceived as provocative toward Indian players and fans. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has lodged a formal complaint with match referee Andy Pycroft, prompting an ongoing International Cricket Council (ICC) investigation. In a pre-final press conference, Hesson addressed the issue head-on, acknowledging the passion inherent in such intense matches but issuing a firm directive to his squad. "My message to the players is just focus on cricket, and that certainly we will be doing," the former New Zealand coach stated. "In terms of gestures, there has always been passion in high-pressure games."

Adding to the charged atmosphere, the group-stage clash saw India's Suryakumar Yadav decline a post-match handshake with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who in turn skipped the press conference. These incidents underscore the deep-seated emotions in India-Pakistan cricket, where matches often transcend sport into matters of national pride. India has dominated recent encounters, extending an unbeaten streak against Pakistan to seven international games since 2022—three ODIs and four T20Is. In the Asia Cup specifically, India chased down Pakistan's totals of 127-9 in the opener (winning by seven wickets) and defended a stronger showing in the Super Four (losing by six wickets).

Also Read: BCCI Files Complaint to ICC Against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan

Hesson remains optimistic about his team's growth, praising their improved performance in the second India clash. "The way we played against India in the last match was a huge step up from the first game," he noted. "The first was passive; we allowed them to control it. In the last, we had the game by the scruff of the neck for long periods, but it took an exceptional innings from Abhishek Sharma to take it away." He stressed the need for sustained pressure on the world No. 1-ranked India: "We have to be good enough to put them under pressure for longer—that's our challenge." Hesson affirmed Pakistan's merit in reaching the final, adding, "We have deserved this opportunity, so it's up to us to make the most of it and win the trophy."

As both teams prepare in Dubai, the final promises not just cricketing excellence but a test of composure amid scrutiny. With India's consistent edge and Pakistan's resilience on display, the outcome could reshape narratives in one of cricket's fiercest rivalries.

Also Read: BCCI Files Complaint to ICC Against Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan