Passion has always been the colour of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, regardless of the stage, and it was no surprise when the subject dominated the captains’ press conference on the eve of the Asia Cup 2025 on Tuesday.
India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, set to lead his country in a multi-team tournament for the first time, noted that intensity and passion have always been part of the game and cannot be taken away.
“I’m very excited to take the field on the front foot. Without aggression, I don’t think you can play this sport,” Suryakumar Yadav responded when asked if players would approach the Asia Cup clashes differently.
Pakistan cricket team‘s Salman Ali Agha, also leading his side into a major competition for the first time, echoed a similar view with a measured stance.
“You don’t need to say anything to anyone. The fast bowlers always want to be aggressive because that’s what keeps them going. From my side, there is no instruction to anyone as long as they keep it on the ground,” Salman said.
The 17th edition of the Asia Cup, returning to the T20 format, brings together eight teams.
Reigning Asia Cup champions India and two-time winners Pakistan are in Group A alongside hosts UAE and Oman. Their group-stage meeting on September 14 in Dubai is already shaping up as one of the tournament’s biggest draws.
Both captains, though, stressed preparation over narratives. Suryakumar, back after sports hernia surgery, emphasised continuity in India’s approach with team selections.
“Why mend something that isn’t broken? If something has given us results, why would we change? If your preparations are good, you’ll be confident when you take the field,” he said.
India, the most successful team in Asia Cup history with eight titles, begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10.
Pakistan, champions in 2000 and 2012, start against Oman two days later, coming into the tournament fresh from a T20 tri-series win in Sharjah.
For India, this Asia Cup is also the only multi-team assignment before next year’s T20 World Cup.