Pakistan Coach Hesson Tells Players to Focus Ahead of India Final

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has urged his players to focus solely on cricket when they face India in the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday in Dubai. The match will be the first-ever Asia Cup final between the two arch-rivals.

Pakistan reached the final after a tense 11-run victory over Bangladesh in the Super Four. However, Hesson played down the off-field controversies that have surrounded the India-Pakistan clashes in this tournament.

“My message to the players is just focus on cricket,” Hesson said. “There has always been passion in high-pressure games, but we have to channel it the right way.”

The earlier group and Super Four matches between the sides saw tensions rise, with no handshakes exchanged and players accused of making provocative gestures. India won both games comfortably, extending their unbeaten run against Pakistan to seven matches since 2022.

Despite the setbacks, Hesson said his team showed improvement in the second game. “We had that match under control for long periods until an exceptional innings from Abhishek Sharma turned it around,” he said.

Acknowledging India’s strength as the world’s top-ranked side, Hesson added: “We have to be relentless and keep them under pressure. We’ve earned this opportunity and now it’s up to us to make the most of it.”

The Asia Cup final promises to be a high-stakes clash as Pakistan seeks its first title against India.