Cricket legend Wasim Akram has weighed in on the highly anticipated India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, set to kick off on September 9, amid escalating tensions between the two nations. Despite calls from some Indian fans and experts for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott the tournament due to recent cross-border conflicts, Akram remains unfazed. “The game must go on, whether India plays Pakistan or not,” the former Pakistani pacer declared on the Stick To Cricket podcast, emphasizing cricket’s ability to rise above political divides.
The Asia Cup schedule has sparked controversy, with India and Pakistan potentially facing off up to three times if both reach the final. However, Akram suggested Pakistan is prepared for any outcome, including a last-minute Indian withdrawal. “We in Pakistan are calm. We’ll be fine whether we play or not,” he said, reflecting a pragmatic stance amid the charged atmosphere. The tournament, hosted in a neutral venue in Dubai, is expected to draw millions of viewers globally, given the historic rivalry.
Akram also expressed a personal hope for a Test series between the arch-rivals. “I dream of seeing India and Pakistan play a Test match in my lifetime,” he said, acknowledging the rarity of such bilateral series due to political strains. The last India-Pakistan Test was in 2007, and bilateral cricket has been limited to multi-nation tournaments since.
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The backdrop to Akram’s comments is the strained diplomatic relations following devastating terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam earlier this year, which killed 26 tourists. India’s response, Operation Sindoor, saw targeted strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan, eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Akram steered clear of political commentary, urging fans to focus on national pride rather than divisive rhetoric. “Politics apart, let’s not go below the belt. Celebrate your country’s triumphs, whether India or Pakistan,” he said.
As the Asia Cup approaches, the cricketing world braces for a high-stakes encounter, with Akram’s call for resilience echoing the sport’s enduring spirit. The BCCI has confirmed India’s participation, but the possibility of a last-minute shift looms, making this one of the most watched tournaments in recent memory.
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