As Pakistan readies itself for the first-ever Asia Cup final against India, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson’s message for his side was to “just focus on cricket” despite all the off-the-field controversies going on between these two arch-rivals, which have raised the intensity and stakes of the title clash.

Fiery spells from pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf not only powered Pakistan to an 11-run win over Bangladesh, but also the first-ever India-Pakistan final in the history of the tournament in 41 years. Given whatever has happened off the field, the intensity and stakes will be high during the final and could see tempers flaring, with both sides gunning for Asian supremacy.

Speaking during the post-match presser, Hesson said, “My message is just focus on cricket. That is

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