Ahead of the all-important final of the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan, India captain Suryakumar Yadav chose to remain absent from the customary pre-match press conference, giving rise to a fresh set of controversy to the clash between the arch-rivals on Sunday, September 28, which will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The reason behind the 35-year-old not addressing the media ahead of the important contest is unknown. However, Pakistani skipper Salman Ali Agha was present to
address the media, and was asked about his opposition counterpart's absence. He was also asked about the India captain's decision to skip the customary pre-final photoshoot, highlighting the tension and intensity surrounding the opponents for the summit encounter on Sunday.
"We will win. Our attempt is to play our best cricket. And we know that if we play our best cricket and execute our plans for 40 overs, then we can beat any team. It is completely his call, whether he wants to come or not. I can't do anything about that,” Agha told reporters on the eve of the game.
Salman acknowledged the pressure on both teams for the title-decider on Sunday, stating that anyone claiming otherwise would be lying. Despite India’s earlier victories over Pakistan, first in the group stage and then in the Super Four, Salman remains confident that his team can turn the tables in the final. While the odds heavily favour India, the Pakistan captain remains optimistic about his team’s chances.
"There is a lot of pressure on Pakistan and India, and if we say that there is no pressure, then it is wrong. But yes, we have made more mistakes than they have, and that is why we have not won matches. I think in the match between Pakistan and India, the team with fewer mistakes will win the game," Salman said.
For India, it will be worth the wait for the final to see if the star all-rounder Hardik Pandya makes the cut in the Playing XI for the finale. For the unversed, the experienced campaigner faced a cramp while fielding in India's penultimate clash against Sri Lanka on Friday, and an update on his fitness will be keenly awaited.
