Pace bowling legend Wasim Akram has urged both Pakistan and India to put aside the noise and simply enjoy the game when they meet in the Asia Cup T20 clash on Sunday.
The highly anticipated Group A match in Dubai marks the first cricketing encounter between the arch-rivals since a military conflict four months ago that brought their relations to a historic low. Despite calls for a boycott, India agreed to play, with the fixture set to draw a full house of 25,000 spectators.
Akram, remembered for thriving under such high-pressure situations during his 19-year career, reminded both players and fans to treat the contest as cricket rather than a political battlefield.
“Enjoy, it’s a game of cricket,” Akram told AFP, adding that pressure is natural but should be embraced with discipline. He emphasized that while one team must win and the other lose, the spirit of the game should be celebrated above all.
The 59-year-old, who captained Pakistan in historic tours to India despite threats, recalled his own experiences of Indo-Pak encounters where intensity and excitement pushed players to perform at their best.
He advised Pakistan’s relatively inexperienced side to focus on the bigger picture of winning the Asia Cup instead of becoming consumed by the hype surrounding India. Referring to Pakistan’s recent tri-series victory over Afghanistan and the UAE, he said the team has a realistic chance but must stay grounded.
Akram also played down expectations of a one-sided contest, insisting anything can happen in the tournament. Pakistan opened with a strong win against Oman, while India displayed dominance against the UAE in their first match.
With Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh completing the line-up, the tournament promises competitive cricket leading to the Super Four and the final scheduled for September 28 in Dubai.
