Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson addressing a press convention following the 11-run win over Bangladesh on September 25, 2025. — X@TheRealPCBMedia
DUBAI: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has thrown his full weight behind his gamers forward of the extremely anticipated Asia Cup 2025 last in opposition to India, insisting that the group has “earned the right” to battle for the title — regardless of on-field inconsistencies and off-field turbulence.
After a dramatic comeback win over Bangladesh within the Tremendous 4 — a match seen as a digital semi-final — Pakistan booked their spot in Sunday’s last on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium, marking the primary Pakistan-India last in Asia Cup historical past for the reason that match’s inception in 1984.
However because the cricket world gears up for a high-octane finale, Pakistan’s preparations are being overshadowed by an ongoing ICC disciplinary course of, with gamers anticipated to seem in a proper listening to on Friday over alleged conduct breaches throughout earlier matches within the match.
Hesson, nonetheless, was unwavering in his strategy. “We’ve deserved this opportunity,” he informed reporters. “All the games before now were about getting ourselves in a position to win the trophy. Now it’s about delivering on the biggest stage.”
And as media scrutiny intensifies across the ICC investigation — understood to concern on-field gestures and emotional celebrations throughout wins in opposition to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh — Hesson made it clear his focus, and the group’s, stays firmly on cricket.
“Look, my message is simple: we just focus on cricket. That’s what we’re here for. There’s always emotion in big games, and sometimes that spills over — but our job is to play the game, and play it well.”
The coach, who has guided Pakistan by way of a interval of serious transition over the previous 12 months, was candid about his aspect’s early-match struggles in opposition to Bangladesh. Lowered to 33 for 4, Pakistan’s innings was on the point of collapse — but as soon as once more, it was lower-order resolve and world-class bowling that sealed the win.
He praised gamers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Agha Salman, who helped Pakistan stabilise their innings on a difficult pitch earlier than the bowlers shut Bangladesh down with medical precision.
Hesson mentioned in regards to the pitch: “These surfaces are difficult. It’s not about playing the perfect cover drive — it’s about decision-making, adapting, and fighting for every run. That’s what we did.”
On the subject of India — a aspect Pakistan has did not beat of their final seven encounters — Hesson dismissed any speak of psychological boundaries. “Completely not. Within the final match, we had them for lengthy durations. We let it slip, however it wasn’t worry — it was only one distinctive innings that turned the sport. This time, now we have to maintain the strain on for longer,” Hesson said.
With the ICC listening to looming and the burden of a nation on their shoulders, Pakistan head into the ultimate strolling a tightrope — preventing to elevate the trophy whereas warding off distractions that would derail their momentum.
Nonetheless, Hesson believes his squad is mentally powerful sufficient to rise to the event.
