Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has thrown his full backing behind his squad ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 final against India, declaring that the team has “earned the right” to fight for the title despite recent inconsistencies on the field and turbulence off it. After a dramatic comeback win over Bangladesh in the Super Four a clash widely seen as a virtual semi-final Pakistan sealed their place in Sunday’s showdown at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It marks the first-ever Pakistan-India final in the history of the Asia Cup, which began in 1984. Yet, the build-up to the finale has been clouded by an ICC disciplinary inquiry, with several Pakistani players summoned to a Friday hearing over alleged breaches of conduct during earlier matches in the tournament. Unfazed, Hesson urged his men to focus only on cricket. “We’ve deserved this opportunity,” he told reporters. “All the matches so far were about putting ourselves in contention for the trophy. Now it’s about delivering on the biggest stage.” As media scrutiny intensifies around the ICC investigation reportedly linked to heated celebrations during wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Hesson insisted his camp remains locked in on the task at hand. “Look, my message is simple: focus on cricket. Emotions run high in big games, and sometimes they spill over. But our responsibility is to play the game and play it well.” The New Zealander, who has overseen Pakistan through a year of transition, was also candid about the team’s early struggles against Bangladesh, but stressed the resilience shown in clawing their way back into contention. Reduced to 33 for four, Pakistan’s innings was on the brink of collapse yet once again, it was lower-order resolve and world-class bowling that sealed the win. He praised players like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Agha Salman, who helped Pakistan stabilise their innings on a challenging pitch before the bowlers shut Bangladesh down with clinical precision. Hesson said about the pitch: “These surfaces are difficult. It’s not about playing the perfect cover drive it’s about decision-making, adapting, and fighting for every run. That’s what we did.” When it comes to India a side Pakistan has failed to beat in their last seven encounters Hesson dismissed any talk of mental barriers. “Absolutely not. In the last match, we had them for long periods. We let it slip, but it wasn’t fear it was just one exceptional innings that turned the game. This time, we have to keep the pressure on for longer,” Hesson stated. With the ICC hearing looming and the weight of a nation on their shoulders, Pakistan head into the final walking a tightrope fighting to lift the trophy while fending off distractions that could derail their momentum. Still, Hesson believes his squad is mentally tough enough to rise to the occasion.
“We deserve this moment” Hesson’s motivational push for Pakistan before final
