As the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan draws near, emotions are running high across the nation. However, Ryan ten Doeschate, the assistant coach of the Indian team, made it clear that the focus remains on professionalism. He acknowledged that the team is well aware of the public sentiment surrounding the fixture, especially in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which tragically claimed 26 innocent lives.
Acknowledging the Sensitive Issue
In a candid statement, ten Doeschate expressed that while the Indian players feel deeply for the victims and the ongoing emotional turmoil, their primary responsibility is to perform on the cricket field. “This is a very sensitive issue, and I have no doubt that the players share the compassion and feelings of the majority of the Indian public,” he said. “But once the government gave the green light, we had to get on with our job.”
The Indian team’s management has addressed the matter internally, emphasizing that while the emotions surrounding the match are understandable, it is important to put those feelings aside in order to play professionally. “We’ve addressed it in the team meeting. We have to put those emotions behind us and focus on playing for the country,” ten Doeschate added.
The Government’s Role in Decision-Making
India’s participation in the Asia Cup was initially uncertain due to the ongoing tensions with Pakistan. However, the Indian government’s policy allows participation in multilateral events while banning bilateral ties with Pakistan. Ten Doeschate revealed that until the government gave its approval, the team was unsure whether they would be traveling for the tournament.
“The Asia Cup was in limbo for a long time. We didn’t know whether we would be coming or not. Once the government gave the approval, only then did we finalize our participation,” he explained.
Business as Usual in Preparation
Despite the charged atmosphere, ten Doeschate assured that preparations for the match have not deviated from the usual routine. “Our build-up has been business as usual, just like for any other important game. Pakistan’s approach to T20 cricket has evolved, but we are focused on our game and how we want to play,” he said.
The assistant coach emphasized that the team remains committed to focusing on the game itself, irrespective of the off-field distractions. “We want to focus on what we’re doing. It’s important for us to approach every game in the same way,” he added.
Gautam Gambhir’s Clear Message to the Team
Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir, who has long held the view that India should not play against Pakistan as long as terror attacks continue, has also shared his message with the team. His message to the players is simple: stay focused on the cricket and block out the outside noise.
“The message has been clear – focus on the job at hand. Don’t worry about things beyond your control,” Gambhir said. “Just try to be emotionless when approaching the cricket side of things. The guys are professional enough now. I’m sure individuals have different levels of feeling on the spectrum, but the messaging has been to focus on the cricket and try to focus on the one game tomorrow.”
Ticket Sales and Public Sentiment
While the emotional aspects of the game remain a topic of discussion, ticket sales for the match have raised some concerns. Reports suggest that several seats remain unsold, indicating a less-than-expected demand for the high-profile fixture. However, the Indian team remains resolute in their approach, with ten Doeschate urging the players to focus solely on the game.
Separating Sports and Politics
When questioned about whether the players would make a statement on the pitch regarding recent events, ten Doeschate chose not to elaborate, stating that the team is following the directions set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government.
“We are following the guidance from the BCCI and the Indian government on what is right for the country at the moment,” he said. “We believe in separating sports from politics, and hopefully, the way we play can represent the way players feel about the country.”
With the match ahead, the Indian team is determined to maintain their professionalism and stay focused on the task at hand.
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