Dubai, UAE – India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan counterpart Salman Agha said they would not instruct their players to tone down their aggression when the two rivals face off in a highly anticipated Asia Cup match in Dubai on Sunday.
The clash comes just months after four days of military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors in May, adding political weight to one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.
At the captains’ pre-tournament press interaction on Tuesday, both leaders dismissed suggestions that players should curb their natural on-field intensity.
“Aggression is always there when we take the field,” said Suryakumar, looking relaxed ahead of the contest. “Without some degree of aggression, I don’t think you can play the sport. I’m really excited to take the field.”
Salman echoed a similar sentiment, stressing that aggression was a vital part of cricket, particularly for fast bowlers.
“You don’t need to say anything to any player because every individual is different,” he said. “If someone wants to be aggressive in the field, they are more than welcome. When it comes to fast bowlers, they are always aggressive and you can’t stop them because that’s what keeps them going. From my side, there is no instruction to anyone as long as it stays in the ground.”
India, the reigning T20 world champions, head into the tournament as firm favorites, while Pakistan arrive with momentum after winning a tri-series final against Afghanistan in Dubai last Sunday.
Despite not playing a T20 international since their home series against England in February, Suryakumar dismissed concerns that India might be underprepared.
“If your preparations are great then you are certainly confident when you take the field,” he said. “Yes, we are playing after quite a while but we came here three-four days back and we had a good time as a team together. Really looking forward to this tournament.”
The India-Pakistan fixture is expected to draw packed stands in Dubai and millions of viewers worldwide, with cricket once again serving as a backdrop to tense geopolitics between the two nations.
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