The debate about whether to play or not to play the scheduled match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 has been on the rise and a cricket legend, Wasim Akram, has given his input about the matter. Scheduled to take place on September 14 at Dubai International Stadium, the match has brought a lot of debate, but Akram pointed out that the match should take place even though the political and social tension is increasing.
Asia Cup 2025 Clash Faces Backlash
The Asia Cup clash of the two arch rivals has been in the spotlight since it was announced last month. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has faced criticism for agreeing to the match. There were concerns as to whether India would attend, following political tensions after a terror attack in Pahalgam in April.
As the apprehension took place, there was speculation that the entire Asia Cup can be cancelled should India withdraw. However, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) clarified the situation with an official announcement in late July, confirming that the tournament would continue as scheduled, including the high-profile India-Pakistan clash.
Previous Withdrawals Fuel Controversy
The issue was further fuelled when Indian team led by Yuvraj Singh champions of the Champions withdrew to play with Pakistan on two occasions at the World Championship of Legends last month a semi-final bout. Such pullouts have given impetus to the criticism of the Indian cricket authorities who too organized the match in the midst of political sensitivities.
Asked about the team participation recently during a press conference in Mumbai, India captain Suryakumar Yadav said: The Indian media manager acting swiftly cut the discussion to team selection only avoiding questions on the controversial India-Pakistan match.
Wasim Akram Urges Calm and Focus on Cricket
The ex-Pakistan captain who spoke on Stick With Cricket podcast urged calm and stated politics should not be mixed with game. “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 said.
“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. It is easier said than done.”
Hope for Future India-Pakistan Bilateral Series
Akram also expressed his wish that there should be more permanent cricketing relationship between the two countries. He wanted to witness, at least, one bilateral Test series between India and Pakistan during his lifetime despite the sensibilities of such games. His comments have resonated with cricket lovers throughout the sub-continent since the two neighbours have not entertained a full bilateral series since 2012.
Akram engaged himself in political and social controversies, but his message was clear, cricket had to continue and the spirit of the game was not supposed to be placed under political differences. As the match is to be played on September 14, the fans are anticipating the match hoping that both teams would be in a position to play and that sport and not war would be played.
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