Dubai, September 26, 2025 — With cricket fans across the globe counting down to the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final between Pakistan and India, head coach Mike Hesson has urged his players to block out the noise and concentrate solely on their game.
Speaking after Pakistan’s win over Bangladesh in Dubai, the New Zealand-born coach admitted that finals bring out strong emotions but stressed that discipline, composure, and clarity will be decisive in Sunday’s showdown.
“Passion is important, but channeling that energy the right way is what wins you big matches,” Hesson told reporters, emphasizing the need to stay calm under pressure.
The coach reflected on Pakistan’s earlier meetings with India in this tournament. He acknowledged that the side fell short in the opening clash but showed marked improvement in the second encounter, where they managed to keep India under pressure for long stretches. Still, he cautioned, consistency and execution at critical moments will decide whether Pakistan can turn the tables in the final.
Hesson pointed out that the team’s recent victories have given the players a renewed sense of belief. According to him, Pakistan now has the confidence to seize big moments and the determination to rise to what he described as a “true test of mental strength and resilience.”
India, with eight Asia Cup titles, remains the tournament’s most successful team, while Pakistan has lifted the trophy only twice the last time in 2012. Remarkably, despite the 41-year history of the competition, this will be the first time the two rivals face each other in a final.
With history on the line and the Dubai International Stadium set for a blockbuster clash, Pakistan’s dressing room appears united behind their coach’s message: stay focused, keep composure, and let performance speak louder than pressure.
