Asia Cup 2025: 'This is seventh division team in Chennai league' - Former India captain's brutal take on Pakistan

Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth has slammed Pakistan for their poor quality of cricket ahead of their upcoming Asia Cup 2025 clash against India on Sunday, September 21. The arch-rivals are scheduled to take on each other at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in what will be both teams' first clash in the Super Four stage.

Srikkanth did not mince his words in describing the state Pakistan's cricket, stating that it is a "big thing" for them to even participate in renowned tournaments like the Asia Cup. 

"Going forward, Pakistan shouldn't be playing with the main teams. Have them among the Associate nations and bring a few of the others there here. It's a big thing for Pakistan that they are even allowed to play in such a prestigious tournament," stated Srikkanth in a video on his YouTube channel.

The former chief selector also remarked that Pakistan play like a team in the "seventh division team in a Chennai league", lwhile also ambasting Mike Hesson's coaching abilities.

"Pakistan should be removed from the top seven. From hereon, India-Pakistan matches won't attract crowds. India-Pakistan rivalry has become history. This Pakistan team will give us no scare. This is a seventh division team in a Chennai league. Mike Hesson will be back with his statements on how they are a very good team and they were unlucky in the last match against India. You'll go nowhere with Mike Hesson as your coach," he added.

The Green Shirts finished second in Group A of the ongoing continental tournament. Their only defeat so far has come against the Suryakumar Yadav-led outfit as they were defeated comprehensively by a seven-wicket margin. They somehow managed to crawl to 127 in their allotted quota of 20 overs, which proved insufficient to stop India. Pakistan defeated UAE and Oman to progress to Super Four stage, where they will play India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.