head coach of pakistan mike hesson acknowledged India's current strength in white-ball cricket, while also stating that his team would look to put pressure on its rivals if both teams Japan at the Asian Games 2026 Meet in.
Hesson's comments have further raised expectations of a possible India-Pakistan clash in the men's T20 cricket competition. While the two teams are separated in the knockout draw, a meeting is possible later in the competition if both successfully make it through their respective matches.
Mike Hesson calls India the standard of white ball
Speaking ahead of Pakistan's trip to Japan, Hesson spoke candidly about the need to bridge his team into white-ball cricket.
The Pakistan coach described India as the standard in white-ball cricket and said that catching up with the Indian team remains a challenge for his team. Also, he expressed confidence that if the two rivals eventually come face to face in the Asian Games, Pakistan could give India a tough time.
Hesson also mentioned Pakistan's performance in last year's Asia Cup, saying that his players will try to put pressure on India if given the opportunity.
“We are definitely doing our best in our preparation and if we get an opportunity to play (India), we will definitely put them under pressure just like we did in the Asia Cup final,” Hesson told reporters.
These comments come in the context of Pakistan's recent difficult T20 record against India. India has won the last six T20 matches between the two teams, including three encounters during the 2025 Asia Cup and another in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
India vs Pakistan at Asian Games 2026: When might they meet?
The men's cricket tournament at the Asian Games 2026 will begin in Japan, with both India and Pakistan entering the competition at the quarter-final stage.
Pakistan will start their campaign on September 28 against the winner of Pool B, which includes Hong Kong, Oman and Malaysia. India has also directly reached the quarter-finals.
According to the draw, India-Pakistan cannot meet in the quarter-finals. There has also been varying reporting regarding the potential knockout route, so the exact stage of a potential meeting depends on tournament results and official bracket progress. Current reporting indicates that if both teams advance far enough, the rivals could meet in the medal stage.
For now, Hesson wants to keep his focus on the immediate matches ahead and not look too far into the tournament.
Pakistan has different squad combination for Asian Games 2026
An interesting aspect of the Asian Games 2026 men's cricket competition is the difference in squad composition between the two traditional rivals.
India have selected a full-strength squad, while Pakistan are bringing a combination of young players and experienced white-ball cricketers. opening batsman Sahibzada Farhan Will lead Pakistan in this tournament.
Pakistan's team also includes players with international experience, including Sam Ayub, Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed. Hesson believes that this tournament can provide an important platform for young players to showcase their abilities.
The coach has particularly highlighted Farhan's leadership opportunities. According to Hesson, the Asian Games could give the opener valuable experience as captain, although his performance in Japan will not automatically determine Pakistan's long-term captaincy plans.
Hesson wants Pakistan to focus on basics
Despite the attention around a potential India-Pakistan clash, Hesson has stressed that Pakistan must fulfill its initial responsibility first.
The coach said there was a lot of cricket left to play before either side could think seriously about a possible meeting. Pakistan have also spent time preparing for different pitches and conditions ahead of their campaign in Japan.
This approach could be vital for a relatively young Pakistan team entering a high-profile multi-sport event.
India defending Asian Games cricket title
India will arrive at the Asian Games 2026 as men's cricket champions. The team won the gold medal when cricket was included in the 2023 Asian Games, while Pakistan is searching for its first medal. Pakistan finished fourth in 2010 and 2023, losing in the bronze medal match each time.