NEW DELHI: The stage was set in Dubai for the Asia Cup 2025 captains’ press conference, but one detail immediately caught everyone’s attention. India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha were not seated side by side. Instead, Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan was placed in between them — a move by organisers that avoided direct proximity of the two arch-rival captains, keeping the atmosphere composed ahead of the marquee clash.India will open their campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. But all eyes are already on the high-voltage India vs Pakistan contest scheduled for September 14 at the same venue. Asked about toning down on-field aggression, Suryakumar Yadav made his stance clear. “Aggression (is) always there on field and you can’t do without aggression if you want to win,” the India captain said, suggesting his team will not hold back in the big clash.Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha had a different take.
“If someone wants to be aggressive that is his call. From my side I don’t give anyone any instructions,” he said, leaving it to his players to channel their emotions as they see fit.India, the most successful team in Asia Cup history, have lifted the trophy a record eight times. In the last edition in 2023, they outclassed Sri Lanka in the final to claim their eighth crown. This year, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, they will be aiming to secure a ninth title and further cement their dominance in the tournament.
