IND vs PAK final: Pakistan coach urges players to focus on cricket amid off-field row

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has delivered a straightforward message to his players ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against India — focus solely on cricket and avoid getting caught up in the controversies surrounding the high-profile rivalry. The arch-rivals are set to meet for the third time in this edition of the tournament, but instead of the cricket itself, much of the attention so far has been on off-field issues and on-field gestures that have sparked debates and escalated tensions.

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The build-up to any India vs Pakistan clash is always loaded with anticipation, and this Asia Cup has been no different. However, the spotlight has shifted away from the game on several occasions due to dramatic incidents. Speaking after Pakistan’s narrow 11-run victory over Bangladesh that secured their place in the final, Hesson made it clear that his focus remains firmly on cricket.

"Look, my message is we just focus on cricket. That's what we will be doing. Those things, you probably know more about them than me. I deal with the cricket side. In terms of gestures, there's always been passion, isn't it? When you are in high-pressure games, the focus will be on focusing on the job and playing a good game. That's my part of my job," Hesson said.

Drama to the brim in India vs Pakistan

First came the handshake controversy, when India skipper Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha during the toss in their group-stage clash. The drama continued after India’s seven-wicket win, with the entire Indian team avoiding post-match handshakes. Matters escalated further during the Super 4 game in Dubai, when Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf and opener Sahibzada Farhan were seen making provocative gestures toward Indian fans in the stands.

The controversies, however, have extended beyond public debate. India filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against Rauf and Farhan over their actions in the Super 4 clash. In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly lodged its own complaint against Suryakumar Yadav, citing his gesture of dedicating India’s group-stage win to the armed forces and his remarks in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

On Thursday, September 25, Suryakumar attended a hearing conducted by match referee Richie Richardson regarding Pakistan’s complaint. The decision on that matter is expected before India’s final Super 4 game against Sri Lanka. Similarly, both Rauf and Farhan are set to face hearings over India’s complaint regarding their conduct in Dubai.

Despite the backdrop of tension, the cricket continues. Pakistan sealed their place in the final with a hard-fought win over Bangladesh, while India had already secured qualification earlier with victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan. Now, as both sides prepare for the grand finale on September 28, the hope from Hesson and fans alike is that cricket finally takes centre stage.

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