Cricket legend Wasim Akram has a simple message for Pakistan and India ahead of their much-hyped Asia Cup clash on Sunday: block out the noise and enjoy the game.
The Group A match in Dubai will be the first time the two sides face each other since a military conflict four months ago pushed relations between the neighbours to a new low. Despite calls for a boycott, India agreed to play. The two countries have not met in a bilateral series since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
“Enjoy, it’s a game of cricket,” Akram said before the showdown. “Forget everything else. One team will win and one will lose. Pressure will come, but enjoy it and stay disciplined because it’s just a game—for both teams and fans.”
A packed crowd of 25,000 is expected at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Akram, who played for nearly two decades and captained Pakistan in India in 1999 despite security threats, said he always thrived in high-pressure games against India.
“I enjoyed every game against India, and so did their players,” the 59-year-old said. He recalled being part of Pakistan’s 1987 tour, when both countries came dangerously close to war.
Akram advised Pakistan’s relatively young team to focus on the bigger picture. “They should not think that we just need to win against India, think of winning the Asia Cup,” he said. “You can lose to a strong team, but still play well in the tournament.”
Pakistan head into the game with confidence after winning a tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE last week. India, meanwhile, demolished the UAE in their opener, chasing down a target of 58 in just 4.3 overs.
“I don’t think this match will be one-sided like that,” Akram said. “Anything can happen in this tournament.”
