Surya, Salman refuse to hold back aggression in India-Pakistan clash on September 14

Captains of India and Pakistan said they will not hold back on aggression when the arch-rivals clash in the Asia Cup on September 14.

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha stressed the importance of aggression in sport on the eve of the event opener in the UAE.

“Temper? Sir, aggression is always there on the field when we take the field,” Suryakumar said when asked if the Indian players have been told not to be aggressive against Pakistan.

“And without aggression, I don’t think you can play this sport. And I’m sure, I’m very excited to take the field on the front foot,” Suryakumar said.

Salman said their fast bowlers are aggressive by nature, but “you don’t need to say anything to any player”. “If someone wants to be aggressive on the field, they are more than welcome to do that,” said the Pakistan skipper.

India are the favourites having won the T20 World Cup last year, while Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be expected to put up a fight.

India’s first match is against the hosts UAE on September 10, while Pakistan take on Oman on September 12. India and Pakistan will clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, starting at 8 pm IST.