Asia Cup 2025 Showdown: Kotak Emphasizes Cricket Focus Ahead of India-Pakistan Battle

Amid calls from certain sections of the Indian public to boycott the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan on Sunday, Sitanshu Kotak, the national team’s batting coach, emphasized that the players remain focused on the game.

Despite ongoing tensions between the two nations, recently intensified by a four-day military conflict in May following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Kotak reassured the media on Friday that the players’ primary concern is playing cricket. “Once we are here to play, I think players are focused on playing cricket,” he stated, underscoring the players’ dedication to their sport.

In July, it was confirmed that this year’s Asia Cup would proceed as planned in the United Arab Emirates. This announcement sparked diverse opinions regarding sporting interactions between the rival nations. However, the sports ministry firmly stated that while India would participate in multi-nation tournaments featuring Pakistan, no bilateral matches would be scheduled.

In such a charged atmosphere, external distractions can be overwhelming. Kotak, aged 52, reiterated, “For players and for us, once the BCCI aligns with the government, we are here to prepare and play. It will be a competitive game. India versus Pakistan is always a competitive game. So, we focus on that.”

Ahead of the tournament, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed the potential for heightened emotions during the matchup. He remarked, “Aggression is always there when we take the field. Without aggression, I don’t think you can play this sport. I’m very excited to take the field on the front foot.”

Published on September 12, 2025.