Dubai, September 9, 2025: Skippers Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Agha have dismissed the notion of toning down aggression when India and Pakistan lock horns in a high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 encounter in Dubai on Sunday.
The contest comes just months after a brief military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in May, adding further weight to cricket’s fiercest rivalry.
“Aggression is always there when we take the field. Without it, I don’t think you can play this sport,” said India’s Suryakumar, speaking at the pre-tournament press briefing. Pakistan’s Salman Agha echoed the sentiment: “Every individual is different. If someone wants to be aggressive on the field, they are more than welcome to do that. You can’t stop fast bowlers from being aggressive — that’s what drives them.”
Both captains stressed that expressions of passion would remain within the spirit of the game.
Suryakumar downplayed talk of India being favourites despite their status as reigning T20 World Cup champions. “In T20 cricket, the game can change in just one or two overs. Every team here has the ability to win,” he said.
Pakistan, meanwhile, enter the tournament with momentum after beating Afghanistan in the tri-nation series final in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Salman said his team’s confidence was high but cautioned that consistency would be key.
India, returning to T20 action after a gap since February’s home series against England, shrugged off concerns over match readiness. “If your preparations are great, you’re confident. We came here early, trained well, and are looking forward to the tournament,” Suryakumar added.
