DUBAI — Pakistan head trainer Mike Hesson has thrown his full support behind his players ahead of Sunday’s Asia Cup 2025 final against India, saying the platoon has “ earned the right ” to fight for the title despite on- field inconsistencies and off- field difficulties.
Pakistan secured their spot in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium showdown after a dramatic comeback palm over Bangladesh in the Super Four, which was effectively asemi-final. This marks the first- ever Pakistan- India final in Asia Cup history since the event began in 1984. still, the buildup to the final is being clouded by an ongoing ICC correctional process. Several players are anticipated to attend a formal hail on Friday over alleged conduct breaches during earlier matches.
Hesson, who took charge during a period of major transition, remained firm. “ We’ve justified this occasion, ” he told journalists. “ All the games before now were about getting ourselves in a position to win the jewel. Now it’s about delivering on the biggest stage. ”
Media reports say the ICC inquiry centers on emotional fests and gestures during triumphs over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. But Hesson stressed that his platoon is concentrated solely on justice. “ Look, my communication is simple we just concentrate on justice. That’s what we’re then for. There’s always emotion in big games, and occasionally that spills over but our job is to play the game, and play it well. ”
Reflecting on Pakistan’s shaky launch against Bangladesh when the side drooped to 33 for four Hesson credited his lower order and bowlers for turning the match around. He singled out Shaheen Shah Afridi and Agha Salman for helping stabilise the innings on a delicate pitch before Pakistan’s bowling attack sealed the palm.
“ These shells are delicate, ” he said. “ It’s not about playing the perfect cover drive it’s about decision- timber, conforming, and fighting for every run. That’s what we did. ”
Pakistan have n’t beaten India in their last seven hassles, but Hesson rejected the idea of a cerebral hedge. “ Absolutely not. In the last match, we had them for long ages. We let it slip, but it was n’t sweat it was just one exceptional innings that turned the game. This time, we’ve to keep the pressure on for longer. ”
With an ICC hail brewing and the weight of public anticipation, Pakistan head into the final juggling high stakes and distractions. Yet Hesson says his team is mentally tough enough to rise to the occasion.
