Legendary pacer and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has commented on the furore around the highly-awaited India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 encounter. In spite of increasing political tensions and demands for boycott, Akram asserted that the “game must go on” and appealed to fans and critics to not let politics come into cricket.
The two teams are set to play on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium in a Group A match. The news of the encounter has elicted strong reactions, most notably in India, where Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come under fire for consenting to the match.
Backlash intensifies following recent events
There have been demands for India’s pull-out from the Asia Cup since the Pahalgam terror attack in the earlier part of the year, which increased diplomatic tension between the two countries. There was even speculation of the tournament being cancelled in its entirety if India pulled out. The uncertainty, however, was brought to an end by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) with a formal announcement in July.
The controversy deepened after India’s Yuvraj Singh-led Champions side pulled out of matches against Pakistan during the World Championship of Legends last month. Adding fuel to the debate, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav was recently pressed by reporters about his team’s participation in the Dubai clash, but the BCCI’s media manager quickly shut down the line of questioning.
“Keep politics out of sport”
On the Stick With Cricket podcast, Akram expressed a sincere call for calm.
“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,” Akram said.
He continued: “Politics aside, I am not a politician. They are patriotic regarding their country, we are patriotic regarding ours. Let’s not go below the belt. Discuss the victories of your country; the same applies to Pakistan, and the same applies to India. It is easier said than done.”
Hopes for a bilateral Test return
Akram also showed his deep desire to witness the two cricketing titans play bilateral Test cricket, which has been on ice since 2012 because of political tensions.
“I would love to see India-Pakistan Test series in my lifetime,” he said, emphasizing that cricket could be used as a unifying force between the two countries.
The Asia Cup encounter continues to be one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the tournament, whether there is a political controversy or not.
