The Asia Cup 2025 is set to burst into life this week, but all eyes are already on the clash everyone is waiting for — India versus Pakistan on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both captains, India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, made it clear at the captains’ press conference that aggression will be central to their teams’ approach.
India begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10, while Pakistan’s opener is the blockbuster encounter against their archrivals.
“Aggression is part of the game” – Suryakumar Yadav
Asked about player temperament, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav underlined his belief that fire on the field is non-negotiable.
Temper? Sir, aggression is always there on the field when we take the field. Without aggression, I do not believe one can play this sport. And I am sure, I am very excited to take the field on the front foot.
When quizzed about India’s tactical adjustments, Suryakumar was quick to dismiss the idea of tinkering with a successful formula.
Why are you needling me? When you play a format, you need to know how good your preparation is. Why mend something that is not broken? If something has given us results, why would we need to change that aspect separately?
Even the inevitable wicketkeeper debate — Sanju Samson or Jitesh Sharma — brought a light-hearted reply. “I will message you the whole team, sir. We are taking good care of him. Do not worry, we will take the right decision tomorrow.”
Who said that? (favourites) I have not heard it. You know how your preparations are. If your preparations are good, then you will be very confident when you take the field. We are playing Twenty20 as a team after a long time.
“Let the players express themselves” – Salman Ali Agha
For Pakistan, new captain Salman Ali Agha is determined to let his players play their natural game.
“Well, you do not need to say anything to any player. Everyone is individually very different. If someone wants to be aggressive on the field, they are more than welcome to do that. When it comes to fast bowlers, they are always aggressive.”
Salman also spoke about shaping a new identity for Pakistan without the experience of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
We are playing very good cricket. I think for almost four months, we have won three series out of four. So we are doing very well as a team and, at the same time, we are very excited. A lot of the boys will play Asia Cup for the first time, but they are ready for the challenge.
Rashid Khan Highlights Travel Challenges
Away from the India-Pakistan focus, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan raised concerns about logistics.
To play a game in Abu Dhabi and to stay here in Dubai. You have all three games in Abu Dhabi, but your stay is in Dubai. But as a professional cricketer, you have to accept all these things. You have to be well-prepared, and you have to be mentally strong.
Afghanistan begin their campaign against Hong Kong in the tournament opener on September 9 in Abu Dhabi.
Sri Lanka’s fatigue factor
Sri Lanka’s skipper Charith Asalanka admitted to feeling the effects of a hectic travel schedule. “Right now, I feel very sleepy. I should answer it (the question) tomorrow, I think. It is really hard. We played back-to-back games in Zimbabwe and then travelled here straightaway. We need to have a couple of days off; I hope the coach will give us.”
Sri Lanka face Bangladesh in their opening fixture on September 13.
The Stage is Set
With anticipation peaking, the Asia Cup 2025 promises both intensity and unpredictability. For India and Pakistan, aggression has already been declared the tone-setter. For Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, it is the grind of logistics and travel that could prove just as decisive.
