DUBAI: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said the team is preparing for a possible encounter with India at the Asian Games, while stressing that both sides have several matches to complete before such a meeting becomes possible.
Pakistan and India are placed on opposite sides of the men’s cricket draw at the tournament, meaning they cannot meet in the semi-finals. A potential clash could take place in the gold-medal match or the bronze-medal play-off on October 3 if both teams progress through the earlier stages.
“India are the benchmark in white-ball cricket at the moment, and our challenge is to catch up to that,” Hesson told reporters during Pakistan’s pre-departure training camp.
Pakistan squad focused on Asian Games challenge
Hesson said the team would be ready if an opportunity arises to face India but added that neither side could look too far ahead.
“There’s a lot of cricket to be played between now and being able to play in a final for both sides,” he said.
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The coach said the Asian Games squad combines players from the Pakistan Shaheens and the national team, providing an opportunity to evaluate emerging talent.
He also said Sahibzada Farhan’s appointment as captain for the tournament should be viewed as an opportunity to gain experience rather than a decision on long-term leadership.
Hesson highlights progress in T20 cricket
Discussing Pakistan’s recent performances, Hesson said the team’s T20 results showed improvement and should not be judged only through matches against India.
He said Pakistan had improved its position in the T20 rankings since he took charge and had achieved several series victories over the past 15 months.
Hesson acknowledged that results against India remained important for supporters but said the team was continuing its development across formats.
Pakistan will begin its Asian Games cricket campaign at the quarter-final stage, with their first match scheduled for September 28.
