DUBAI: The Pakistan cricket fraternity was left devastated on Sunday after the national side fell short against arch-rivals India in a thrilling ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
India clinched their record-extending ninth Asia Cup title in a nail-biting contest, leaving Pakistan’s players and supporters heartbroken.
Almost. Pakistan, we didn’t play to our full potential and I believe when we do play to our potential we can beat anyone. Always #PakistanZindabad
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) September 28, 2025
“Almost. Pakistan, we didn’t play to our full potential, and I believe when we do, we can beat anyone. Always #PakistanZindabad,” one player wrote.
However, not every response was as diplomatic. Former batter Sohaib Maqsood criticised Pakistan skipper Salman Agha’s decision-making in the match’s closing stages.
Agha salman if you cant come to bowl in this Situation that you deserve to lose brother absolutly pethatic
— Sohaib Maqsood (@sohaibcricketer) September 28, 2025
“Agha Salman, if you can’t come to bowl in this situation, you deserve to lose, brother. Absolutely pathetic,” he tweeted.
Voicing frustration
Spin legend Saeed Ajmal also voiced frustration at the captain’s bowling strategy.
“Spinners were our best pick! Why didn’t Agha bowl himself? At least Nawaz should have been given a chance #PAKvsIND,” Ajmal posted.
Spinners were our best pick! Why Agha didn’t bowl himself? Atleast Nawaz ko chance dena chaiye tha #PAKvsIND
— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) September 28, 2025
Pace bowler Rumman Raees offered a more measured take, praising the bowlers’ valiant efforts despite the loss.
“We all are equally broken! But never mind, it’s all part of the game. Bowlers showed great courage defending a low total. Heads up, boys—look forward to new challenges. Always backing you! Pakistan Zindabad 🇵🇰,” he said.
We all are equally broken! But nevermind, its all part of the game. Bowlers showed great courage on their way to defend a low total. Heads up boy, look forward to the new challenges. Always backing you! Pakistan Zindabad 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/jUvGtKka6n
— Rumman Raees (@rummanraees15) September 28, 2025
Test batter Fawad Alam reflected on the turning points that led to the defeat.
A nail-biting final
“A nail-biting final that slipped away from us. Some poor captaincy decisions, a batting collapse, and crucial lapses in the field made the difference in a game that was within reach. Credit to Tilak for a composed knock under pressure,” Alam noted.
A nail biting final that slipped away from us. Some poor captaincy decisions, a batting collapse, and crucial lapses in the field made the difference in a game that was within reach. Credit to Tilak for a composed knock under pressure👍🏼#PAKvsIND #AsiaCup
— Fawad Alam (@iamfawadalam25) September 28, 2025
Meanwhile, Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood chose to focus on the positives despite the heartbreak.
The finals in itself is a step in the right direction. The fight shown today and the other games by team 🇵🇰 despite the external noise will make this team better. Chin up 🇵🇰 long way to go, this game is a great leveller. PS The rivalry was quite evident 😇 sports always wins. pic.twitter.com/RWGRAtQQUr
— Shan Masood (@shani_official) September 28, 2025
“The final itself is a step in the right direction. The fight shown today, and in the other games by team 🇵🇰 despite the external noise, will make this team stronger. Chin up, 🇵🇰—a long way to go. This game is a great leveller. PS: The rivalry was quite evident Sports always wins,” Masood shared.
