New Delhi, Sep 23: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has labelled India the benchmark in white‑ball cricket, and signalled that his side will seek to pressurise the rivals if a showdown materialises in the men’s Asian Games final in Japan.
India and Pakistan are drawn in separate groups in the competition, so a meeting would only be possible in the final or the bronze‑medal match should both advance that far. The quarter‑final stage follows the group matches.
Pakistan have lost six consecutive games to India, including three defeats in the 2025 Asia Cup. Nevertheless, Hesson insisted his team is prepared for another chance to face the Indian side.
“India are the benchmark in terms of white‑ball cricket at the moment. I think the challenge for Pakistan is to catch up with them in white‑ball cricket,” Hesson said before Pakistan departed for the Asian Games.
“We are preparing as best we can, and if we get an opportunity to play India, we will certainly put them under pressure as we were able to do in the final of the Asia Cup,” he added.
Hesson cautioned against looking too far ahead, noting that both sides must still progress through several matches before a potential meeting in the medal rounds could materialise.
Pakistan have fielded a relatively inexperienced squad with several players having limited international exposure, while India have named a full‑strength team as they eye a fourth Asian Games gold medal.
Hesson downplayed speculation that Sahibzada Farhan’s recent appointment as captain might signal a longer‑term leadership role. He suggested the Asian Games would give Farhan a chance to showcase his captaincy, but any future decisions would be made by the Pakistan Cricket Board and selection committee.
Addressing concerns over Pakistan’s overall performance, Hesson said results should not be judged uniformly across formats. He acknowledged difficulties in Test cricket but highlighted improvements in T20Is during his 15‑month tenure.
He pointed out that Pakistan have risen from eighth to fifth in the ICC T20I rankings, gaining 30 points over that period, buoyed by series victories both at home and abroad.
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