BCCI Chief Mithun Manhas Says Pakistan ‘Don’t Offer Much Competition’ After India’s Asian Games Gold

India clinched 21 gold medals at the Asian Games 2026, with the men’s cricket team securing one on the final day after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan by 19 runs in the gold-medal match at Korakuen Stadium in Nisshin, Japan, on October 3.

The closely fought contest kept fans on the edge of their seats, with Pakistan mounting a strong challenge during the run chase. However, BCCI president Mithun Manhas later criticised what he described as the declining quality of India-Pakistan contests in recent years.

Speaking after the final, Manhas said Pakistan no longer provide India with much competition, while praising the Indian team for its composure under pressure.

“They defeated arch-rivals Pakistan, who I feel don’t offer much competition anymore, and the way our team handled pressure situations… no other team in the world can do that,” Manhas said.

The BCCI chief also hailed India as the standout team of the cricket tournament, saying the defending champions lived up to expectations.

“By far the best team of the tournament. We are the defending champions, and the performance they have shown this time is commendable,” he added.

Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma Lead India’s Batting Charge

Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma were the standout performers with the bat in the final, both scoring half-centuries as India posted 211/6 after being asked to bat first.

Abhishek provided India with an explosive start, smashing 61 off just 28 balls. After India lost some momentum in the middle overs, Tilak and Shivam Dube restored the initiative, adding 62 runs off 30 balls for the sixth wicket.

Tilak finished with 51 off 22 deliveries as India became the first team in the tournament to cross the 200-run mark.

Manhas praised the Indian batting unit, highlighting the contributions of both the openers and middle order.

“This is a team sport. Tilak Varma batted brilliantly, and Abhishek Sharma set the tone for the game. The job of openers is to build the innings, and the middle order finishes it. So, the openers basically set the tone,” he said.

“Team India’s batting has been tremendous, and as for the bowling, I would say everyone contributed together to defend a good total,” the former Delhi batter added.

Hasan Nawaz’s 96 Goes In Vain As India Defend 211

Pakistan made India work hard for the gold medal during the chase, with Hasan Nawaz producing a spectacular knock of 96 off 51 balls.

Despite the pressure, India’s bowlers held their nerve and restricted Pakistan to 182/6 in 20 overs, sealing a 19-run victory and the gold medal.

Axar Patel and Washington Sundar were India’s leading wicket-takers, claiming two wickets each.

Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless but played a crucial role during the tense stages of the chase, delivering disciplined overs to keep Pakistan from reaching the target.

India’s victory completed their campaign with the men’s cricket team successfully defending its Asian Games title.