Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
At Tuesday's press conference to mark the start of the DP World Asia Cup cricket tournament, India captain Surya Kumar Yadav took every opportunity to make moments light-hearted as he sat there just off-centre among the eight captains on the dais while fielding questions.
But when asked about the expected temperament of his team taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in a historically needle clash, especially in the aftermath of a four-day aerial skirmish, he became serious and said: "Aggression [is] always there on field. Without it, I don't think you can play the sport. I'm really excited to take the field."
In a weird comeback, his counterpart Salman Agha also used the same line of defence, and said: "Players thrive on aggression, especially [our] fast bowlers. It is only natural because that could bring the best out of them. From my side, I don't give anyone any instructions. If someone wants to be aggressive that is his call."
Just as he was about lower his mike, Agha added almost as an afterthought: "...as long as it stays inside the ground."
It was partly good thinking from the organisers Asian Cricket Council to have Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan seated between them. And it will be the ideal scenario everyone is hoping for. India and Pakistan are placed in the same group and could potentially meet thrice in the tournament if they advance to the Super Four stage as the top two teams from Group A which also has hosts UAE and Oman.
India and UAE will go at each other first on Wednesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Muhammad Waseem, the host captain, kept away from any jingoistic talk as is his style nonetheless.
"We have worked hard and looking forward to such a big stage. We will back our skills and stick to the job in front of us. If we do well in that, I am confident we have the potential to win games."
While reigning world champions and Asia Cup holders India are firm favourites to retain their crown, Pakistan are on a high having beaten Afghanistan in Sunday's final of a tri-series, also involving Waseem's men.
India have not played T20 Internationals since the home series against England in February but Suryakumar would not call his team undercooked. "Well, if your preparations are great then you are certainly confident when you take the field," he said.
Some of the members in this Indian side, starting with vice captain Shubhman Gill, were also here in the UAE when the won the ICC Champions Trophy. The last time the Asia Cup was played in the Twenty20 format in 2022, also in the UAE, it was Sri Lanka who came outside of the radar and won the tournament.
Sri Lanka played a series of T20s and one-day international matches against Zimbabwe, the last of which was on Sunday, and are the last team to arrive in the UAE. "I am still sleepy and tired, but we will be ready," said Charith Asalanka, the captain.
Sri Lanka open their campaign against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. The other teams in their group, Afghanistan and Hong Kong, kickstarted the tournament last evening – also at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, which meant captains Rashid Khan and Yasim Murtaza had to rush back after the conference.
