The scheduled India versus Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 has triggered mixed reactions, and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has weighed in on the debate. Amidst growing calls for boycotts and heightened political tensions, Akram has urged for calm and stressed the importance of keeping politics separate from sports.
The Asia Cup 2025, set to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has India and Pakistan slated to face each other on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium. However, this highly anticipated match has been met with controversy, particularly in India, following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year which has strained relations between the two nations.
Akram, speaking on the Stick With Cricket podcast, acknowledged the backlash surrounding the fixture but emphasized that Pakistan remains unperturbed. "Asia Cup schedule is out, there is backlash. But we in Pakistan are calm. We will be fine whether we play or don't play. The game must go on," he stated.
He further appealed for respectful dialogue, encouraging discussions to focus on the sporting achievements of both nations. "Politics apart, I am not a politician. They are patriotic about their country; we are patriotic about ours. Let's not go below the belt. Talk about the triumphs of your country; the same goes for Pakistan, and the same goes for India," Akram added.
Akram's comments come in the wake of increasing criticism directed towards the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for agreeing to play against Pakistan. The sentiment in India has been further fueled by the India Champions side's withdrawal from matches against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends. Despite the public outcry and political tensions, the BCCI has decided to proceed with the scheduled match.
Adding to the discussion, Sunil Gavaskar defended the Indian team, pointing out that players are bound by their contracts with the BCCI and ultimately follow the directives of the government. Gavaskar stressed that it was unfair to criticize the cricketers, as they are simply adhering to instructions. "If the government has taken a call, I don't see how the players can be criticised," Gavaskar said. "They are contracted professionals who simply follow instructions. If the government says play, they play. If the government says no, the BCCI will act accordingly".
Despite the ongoing political tensions that have prevented bilateral series since 2012, Akram expressed his hope to witness an India-Pakistan Test series in his lifetime. He believes that keeping sports and politics separate is crucial for the future of cricket between the two nations.
The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled from September 9 to September 28, with India placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. India will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10 before the much-anticipated clash with Pakistan on September 14.
