Pakistan coach Hesson eyes up India clash at Asian Games
KARACHI: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson admitted Wednesday that his team has some catching up to do if they are to challenge arch-rivals India at the Asian Games.
Karachi: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson acknowledged on Wednesday that his team needs to improve significantly before facing India at the Asian Games. India's men's team boasts a recent World Cup victory and is defending Asian Games champions. Since Hesson took charge in May last year, Pakistan has suffered three losses to India in the Asia Cup 2025 and one in the 2025 Twenty20 World Cup.
India sets the standard for white ball cricket currently, and Pakistan aims to catch up, according to Hesson. The men's cricket at the Asian Games in Japan kicks off on Thursday. The Asian Games, held in Japan, will see the first encounter between Pakistan and India on October 1 in Nagoya, potentially in the semi-finals. Hesson emphasized that Pakistan is preparing comprehensively and would challenge India vigorously if they secure a chance, mirroring their performance in the Asia Cup final last year.
Pakistan will face the Pool B winners—comprising Hong Kong, Oman, and Malaysia—in the quarter-finals on September 28. Hesson stressed the importance of an early start, noting that both teams have a lot of cricket to play before the semi-finals. Pakistan has never won a medal in Asian Games cricket, losing the bronze in 2010 and 2023, and missed the 2014 edition.
India, on the other hand, fields a full-strength team. Pakistan's squad combines youthful talent and experience, led by opener Sahibzada Farhan.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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