{
  "id": 9546358,
  "title": "Pakistan Head Coach Confident Ahead of India Clash at Asian Games",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/pakistan-head-coach-confident-ahead-of-india-clash-at-asian-games",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T11:27:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/09/24/pakistan-head-coach-confident-ahead-of-india-clash-at-asian-games/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson remains confident ahead of a potential matchup with India at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan. Hesson emphasized that his team must first focus on their opening knockout assignment in Japan, with the Asian Games competition starting on September 28. While acknowledging that India is the benchmark in white-ball cricket, Hesson stressed that Pakistan has ground to make up against its traditional rival. Since Hesson assumed his role in May 2024, Pakistan has suffered three defeats to India during the 2025 Asia Cup and one in the 2025 T20 World Cup. Despite this, Hesson stated that his side would be prepared to challenge India if the two teams meet in the Asian Games and would aim to put pressure on them, similar to their performance in last year's Asia Cup final in Dubai. Hesson reiterated that Pakistan cannot afford to look too far ahead, with the team needing to secure a win in their quarterfinal on September 28. The men's cricket competition at the Asian Games begins on September 27, with Pakistan facing the winner of Pool B, which comprises Hong Kong, Oman, and Malaysia. Notably, Pakistan and India have never faced each other in men's cricket at the Asian Games but could potentially meet in the semifinals in Nagoya on October 1. India enters the tournament as the defending Asian Games champion, and Pakistan, led by opener Sahibzada Farhan, will be supported by a blend of youthful and seasoned players. Hesson noted that the Asian Games will provide Farhan with valuable captaincy experience, and the tournament will serve as a platform for developing players to demonstrate their abilities. However, he clarified that Farhan's captaincy during the Asian Games would not dictate Pakistan's long-term leadership plans, with any decisions to be made by the selection committee and the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman. Hesson also informed that Pakistan underwent rigorous practice over the past three days to prepare for diverse pitches and playing conditions. Addressing the absence of fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani, Hesson explained that Dahani was not part of the initial 30-member squad submitted five months ago for the Asian Games, as the final selection had to be based on Olympic regulations. Pakistan has never claimed a medal in men's cricket at the Asian Games, having lost the bronze-medal match in 2010 and 2023 and not participating in the 2014 edition.",
  "summary": "Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has set his sights on a possible clash with archrival India at the Asian Games, … Read More The post Pakistan Head Coach Confident Ahead of India Clash at Asian Games appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [
    "Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson confident ahead of potential India clash at Asian Games.",
    "Pakistan must focus on opening knockout assignment in Japan, Asian Games start September 28.",
    "Pakistan has never claimed a medal in men's cricket at Asian Games."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}