The stage is once again set for a high-octane clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four, but the anticipation is tinged with sharp criticism. Following their recent group-stage defeat to India, where the defending champions effortlessly chased down 128 runs in just 15.5 overs, the Pakistan team finds itself under intense scrutiny.
Former India opening batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth has launched a blistering verbal assault on the Pakistan squad, labeling them a ‘seventh-division team’ and asserting they no longer pose any real challenge to India. Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth suggested that Pakistan lacks the caliber to compete with top-tier cricketing nations, proposing they be relegated to playing against Associate sides instead.
He emphasized, “Moving forward, Pakistan simply shouldn’t be playing against the main teams. They should be placed with Associate nations, and other teams brought in to replace them. It’s truly a privilege that Pakistan is even participating in such a prestigious tournament.” The legendary 1983 World Cup winner further declared that the once-storied India-Pakistan rivalry has lost its luster. “These matches won’t draw crowds anymore. This Pakistan team offers no scare factor at all; they resemble a ‘seventh-division side in a Chennai league,'” he added dismissively.
Pakistan’s journey to the Super Four was itself a shaky one, narrowly securing a tense victory against the United Arab Emirates by defending 146 runs in their final group match.
Srikkanth didn’t stop there, also targeting head coach Mike Hesson. He contended that under Hesson’s guidance, Pakistan is heading in the wrong direction. “Hesson will continue to insist they’re a good team and were merely unlucky against India, but with him at the helm, they will make no progress,” Srikkanth stated. Hesson, known for his previous coaching stints with New Zealand and IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru, took over as Pakistan’s head coach in May 2025.