Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has emphasized the need for his players to remain focused and composed during their upcoming match against India on September 14. This highly anticipated game represents the first official meeting between the two teams since the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor. Speaking to the press, Hesson highlighted the importance of staying grounded despite the significant tensions and emotional context surrounding the match. Pakistan will play Oman on Friday, September 12th, prior to the India game. While the opening match is vital, the focus is already on the India encounter, which is expected to draw a massive global audience and fill the Dubai International Stadium. “We know that India are obviously hugely confident and rightfully so in terms of how well they’ve played,” Hesson commented. “Look, I’ve certainly watched many games from afar, so certainly being on the other side of the fence, I guess, being right and amongst such a highly charged event is going to be exciting,” he continued. Hesson added, “We’re very much focused on improving as a team, sort of day by day, and not getting too far ahead of ourselves.” The teams are grouped as follows: Group A (India, Pakistan, UAE, Oman) and Group B (Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong).
