Asia Cup 2025: Aggression set to fuel high-octane clash between India and Pakistan on Sep 14

The stage is set for a fiery clash as India and Pakistan lock horns in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 14. With political tensions already simmering after Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack, the cricket rivalry promises even more intensity. Both captains, India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s Salman Agha, have made it clear: aggression on the field will not be curtailed.

Suryakumar: "Without Aggression, You Can’t Play"

At the pre-series captains’ press conference, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav dismissed any notion of playing it soft. He underlined that aggression is part and parcel of cricket.

“Aggression is always there on the field. Without aggression, you cannot play the sport. I am very excited to take the field from tomorrow,” Suryakumar asserted.

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Salman Agha: "Fast Bowlers Need Aggression"

Pakistan captain Salman Agha echoed his counterpart’s stance, making it clear that players are free to express themselves. He highlighted that aggression, especially from fast bowlers, keeps the contest alive.

“If anyone wants to be aggressive, they are more than welcome. The fast bowlers, they always want to be aggressive because that’s what keeps them going. From my side, there is no instruction to anyone as long as they keep it on the ground,” Agha said.

Rivalry Beyond the Boundary

The build-up is unlike any in recent memory. Earlier this year, political tensions spilled into cricket with India refusing to face Pakistan in the World Legends League. Even the IPL was briefly halted in May, further reflecting the strained ties.

With neither captain backing down, fans can expect a charged encounter on Sunday. As the world watches, the age-old rivalry will once again be defined by passion, intensity, and unapologetic aggression.