The Asia Cup 2025 event is upon us, and fans are not keeping calm. The eight-team tournament will kick off on Tuesday, September 09, in Abu Dhabi with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong. Ahead of the Continental Cup, what caught everyone's attention was the captain's press conference. Indian leader Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan leader Salman Ali Agha were not seated side by side. Afghan skipper Rashid Khan was placed between the two skippers.
Notably, a lot of fans say that it was a strategic move by the Asia Cup organizers to keep both the rival skippers away ahead of the marquee clash on September 14. The Surya-led side will begin their campaign on Wednesday, September 10, against hosts UAE before taking on Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai.
Also Read: Afghanistan vs Hong Kong Match Preview & Where to Watch Live? Asia Cup 2025, 1st Match
When quizzed about toning down the on-field aggression, Surya was very straightforward in his response.
"Aggression is always there on the field and you can't do without aggression if you want to win," the India captain said, suggesting his team would not back away from playing their natural game against the arch-rivals.
I don't instruct players to be aggressive or not: Salman Agha
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Salman Agha had a very different take on the subject, stating he does not instruct players how to behave on the field with regard to showing their emotions.
"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 teammates to channel their inner emotions on the field.
Notably, India are the defending champions of the Asia Cup, and are overwhelming favorites to defend the title this time also. They have won the Continental Cup a record eight times, followed by Sri Lanka winning it six times.
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