Hesson sets ambitious tone for Pakistan ahead of Asian Games

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson is targeting a high‑energy campaign at the Asian Games, urging his side to replicate the intensity shown in last year’s Asia Cup final against India. Both teams are seeded directly into the quarter‑finals and will avoid an immediate clash, though a meeting later in the tournament remains possible. Hesson called India “the benchmark” in white‑ball cricket and said Pakistan must close the gap while staying focused on each step.

Pakistan’s last T20 assignment was a narrow five‑run win over Sri Lanka at the 2026 T20 World Cup, which still left them short of the semi‑finals. Hesson highlighted the team’s rise in the ICC T20I rankings, noting a 30‑point improvement driven by series wins in Pakistan, Dubai and the United States. He stressed that Pakistan’s struggles in Tests and its developing ODI setup should not overshadow T20 progress. The Asian Games began today with victories for Afghanistan and Malaysia.