Saim Ayub on India Clash: Focus Is on Future, Not the Past
When Pakistan’s young opener Saim Ayub sat down in front of the press ahead of the Asia Cup encounter against India, a rather direct question was thrown his way: how did he feel when Pakistan lost to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup in New York? His response was sharp, almost dismissive, but in a calm manner. He said, “Sir, it has been a year and a half. At that time, if you had asked me, I would have told you how I felt. Do you remember? I do not remember now.”
That answer summed up not only his own mindset but also the approach Pakistan’s team management has been trying to instill. Saim explained that the focus is no longer on the past or on building pressure around one match. Instead, the philosophy being followed is about process—taking each game as it comes, treating every contest with the same preparation, and not letting memories of defeat or anticipation of the future cloud the present.
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He admitted that while the Pakistan-India rivalry is a huge spectacle for fans across the world, within the team, it is being treated like any other game. “It is a big match for the people, but for us, it is just about sticking to our process,” he said. What mattered more to him and his teammates was the tournament itself, not just one high-voltage clash.
Saim, only 23 years old, hasn’t been in the best batting form lately. His recent outings in T20s have brought scores of 0, 17, 11, and 0. But cricket is unpredictable, and he reminded everyone of that. What players can control, he said, is their effort, not the final outcome. Interestingly, while his batting returns have been modest, he managed to shine with the ball in the opening Asia Cup match against Oman, where he bowled two overs, conceding just eight runs and taking two wickets.
This balance between acknowledging personal struggles and maintaining belief in collective effort seemed central to his words. He emphasized that Pakistan’s dressing room thrives on trust—that no matter who performs on the day, the team rallies together.
The backdrop of Sunday’s match adds even more intensity. It will be the first India-Pakistan game since the tragic Pahalgam terror attacks earlier this year, an incident that claimed dozens of innocent lives and brought the two nations to a tense standstill. Against that emotional context, the cricketing contest feels like more than just a sporting event for many people watching.
But for Saim Ayub, and for Pakistan’s approach as he described it, the priority is simple: block out the noise, forget the old wounds, and look ahead. The Asia Cup isn’t just about beating India—it’s about trying to lift the trophy. And in his words, “Memories do not matter. This tournament matters the most.”
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