Asia Cup 2025 [WATCH]: India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s straightforward answer on temper control when facing Pakistan

The highly anticipated cricket match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is set to take place at the Asia Cup 2025. The contest will be played on September 14 amid recent cross-border tensions between the two nations, which have also spilled into the sporting arena. Ahead of the much-awaited clash, both captains, Suryakumar Yadav of India and Salman Ali Agha of Pakistan, addressed the media in a pre-series press conference. Their comments hinted at a fierce and uninhibited on-field battle, setting the stage for an explosive encounter.

Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha on aggression and an explosive Asia Cup 2025 contest

In a pre-series press conference, the captains of both India and Pakistan were asked about the level of aggression that could be expected from their players in the upcoming clash. Neither Suryakumar nor Salman Agha showed any interest in toning down the matter, hinting instead at an explosive contest. Suryakumar was clear in his belief that aggression is a non-negotiable part of the game.

He stated, “Aggression is always there on the field. Without aggression, you cannot play the sport. I am very excited to take the field from tomorrow.” His Pakistan counterpart, Salman Agha, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that he would not issue any instructions to curb his players’ natural tendencies.

“You don’t need to say anything to anyone. If anyone wants to be aggressive, they are more than welcome to do that. The fast bowlers, they always want to be aggressive, because that’s what keeps them going. If anyone wants to be aggressive, they are more than welcome to do that. From my side, there is no instruction to anyone as long as they keep it on the ground,” Salman Agha added, affirming that the rivalry will be intense but contained within the spirit of the game.

Here’s the video:

Question to Suryakumar Yadav & Salman Ali Agha:

Considering the recent situation between the two countries, do you think that there is a need to give specific instructions to the players to keep their tempers in control?

Answers👇#AsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/VqQ8voZWla

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 9, 2025

Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav responded to the question related to holding their temper and aggression on ground considering the situation between two countries.

VC: ACC#Cricket | #Pakistan | #SalmanAliAgha | #SuryakumarYadav | #Sharjah | #India pic.twitter.com/Gi5mXjxKnP

— Khel Shel (@khelshel) September 9, 2025

Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: Broadcast and Live Streaming Details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK & other countries

The geopolitical backdrop to a sporting rivalry between India and Pakistan

The upcoming Asia Cup fixture between India and Pakistan is more than just a cricket match; it is the first time the two teams will face each other in the aftermath of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the ‘Pahalgam terror attack.’ These events had sparked a significant rise in cross-border tensions, which profoundly impacted the sporting world. The Indian Premier League was momentarily paused in May due to the escalated situation.

Further, the tension extended to exhibition matches in the WCL, where India refused to play against Pakistan in both the group stage and the semi-final matches. This history provides a crucial backdrop to the captains’ comments. Their unified stance on allowing aggression on the field is a direct response to this history, suggesting a desire for the long-standing rivalry to be channeled through a fierce but disciplined sporting contest. Despite the political climate, both teams are determined to focus on the game and deliver a memorable performance for fans around the world, making this particular match a must-watch event.

Also READ: Dinesh Karthik, Harsha Bhogle predict top run-getter and highest wicket-taker in Asia Cup 2025