The 2025 T20 Asia Cup has officially commenced. With the captains’ meet, we have kicked things off. Before the skippers were allowed to answer questions, the moderator told the press to keep things ‘apolitical and pro-sports’. The reminder came just because of the India vs Pakistan match.
Although the two nations have been at odds since they separated in 1947, tensions have escalated significantly since their skirmish in May. In light of this, journalists were more or less told not to ask questions related to whatever had transpired. But that’s exactly what a journalist’s job is: to ask tough questions.
Expect fire in the IND vs PAK match
With India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha sitting just two seats away from each other, the question was bound to come, and it did. ‘Considering the recent situation between the two countries, do you think there is a need to give specific instructions to the players to keep their tempers in control?’ asked a journo.
Both skippers iterated that showing aggression is very much part of the sport. Not delving into political matters and the implications of the India vs Pakistan match being treated as a proxy war by many to justify their nation’s superiority. Neither will tell their players to behave in a certain manner because of a game; they’ll let them be.
“Aggression is always there; we take the field. Without aggression, I don’t think you can play the sport. I’m very excited to take the field from tomorrow (match against the UAE),” Suryakumar said.
“You don’t need to say anything to any player. Everyone is individually very different. If someone wants to be aggressive in the field, they are more than welcome to do that. When it comes to fast bowlers, they are always aggressive, and you can’t stop them because that’s what keeps them going. From my side, there is no instruction as long as it (aggression) stays on the ground,” Agha replied.
India favourites? The Pakistan captain thinks not
India has been billed as the favourite to win the Asia Cup. But Agha doesn’t think. We have seen that T20s are the format where the chances of an upset are the highest. For the Pakistan captain, the concept of a favourite doesn’t apply. Perhaps he’s speaking from experience because we have seen the USA and Zimbabwe beat Pakistan in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup.
“In T20 cricket, I don’t think anyone (team) is a favourite. On a particular day, you have to play good cricket. It’s a fast-paced game. A couple of overs can change the game,” said Agha.
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