India vs Pakistan Asia Cup final: Salman Ali Agha says Haris Rauf, other bowlers have all rights to express their raw emotions

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said that individuals got a right to express emotions and he is not going to ask his players to be otherwise. He has no intention to tell his fast bowlers to tone down their aggression on the field as they prepare to take on an in-form India in the Asia Cup final on Sunday.

Pakistan seamer Haris Rauf's provocative gestures and exchange of words with Indian opener Abhishek Sharma earlier in the tournament had raised eyebrows but Agha seems to be behind his player in the matter, saying aggression is part and parcel of their trade.

"Every individual has the right to express emotions. If we stop a fast bowler from showing emotions, what's left then? I won't stop anyone as long as it is not disrespectful," the Pakistani skipper said.

He said the pressure of the rivalry got the better of his team during the two previous encounters and he is not really bothered by what the Indian media is saying. "India versus Pakistan matches come with a baggage of pressure. In the last two games we lost because we made more mistakes," he admitted. "The final brings the same pressure on both teams. We don't care what the Indian media says. For us, it's only about doing the basics right."

While Pakistan will be gunning for revenge, an unbeaten India look firm favourites to retain the Asia Cup title. The final in Dubai will be the first-ever India-Pakistan summit clash in the 41-year history of the Asia Cup, adding another chapter to cricket's most intense rivalry.

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