Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has described India as the “benchmark” in white-ball cricket, saying his team’s challenge is to close the gap ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Hesson made the comments before Pakistan’s departure for the tournament. India and Pakistan can only meet in the Asian Games if both teams reach the final. India have won their last six T20I meetings against Pakistan, including three victories during the 2025 Asia Cup.

“India are the benchmark in terms of white-ball cricket at the moment, and our challenge is to catch up to them,” Mike Hesson said. The Pakistan coach added that his side would prepare thoroughly for a potential clash with India, while stressing that there is still a long way to go before either team can think about the final.

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“We are certainly preparing the best we can so that, if we get an opportunity to play India, we certainly put them under pressure, like we were able to in the final of the Asia Cup,” he added.

Pakistan have opted to send a second-string squad to the Asian Games, with several established players missing from the team. Sahibzada Farhan will lead the side, giving the batter an opportunity to gain valuable captaincy experience. Despite the absence of several regulars, Hesson believes the squad has enough quality to compete in the tournament.

“This is still a balanced and aggressive team. Asian Games provide an excellent platform for new and talented players to showcase their abilities. For Sahibzada Farhan, the Asian Games are an excellent opportunity to gain captaincy experience,” Mike Hesson said.

Hesson also defended Pakistan’s progress under his leadership, pointing out that the team had struggled to progress beyond the group stage before he took charge last year.

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While acknowledging that expectations surrounding Pakistan cricket remain high, Hesson argued that rebuilding a team takes time. He believes expecting immediate trophy-winning results after inheriting a side facing difficulties would be unrealistic. Pakistan will therefore look to use the Asian Games as an opportunity to give emerging players international exposure while building towards future white-ball assignments.