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DUBAI: Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has called on Pakistan’s players to look beyond the hype of facing India and keep their eyes firmly on winning the Asia Cup 2025.
Ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Akram advised the relatively inexperienced side to maintain perspective and not get consumed by the rivalry.
“Pakistan shouldn’t just aim to beat India; the real target is to win the Asia Cup,” Akram said. “Even if you lose to a strong opponent, the key is to stand tall and play well throughout the tournament.”
The match carries additional weight as it marks the first cricketing meeting between the two neighbours since a brief military conflict four months ago.
Yet Wasim Akram urged players and fans alike to strip away the politics and focus purely on cricket.
“Enjoy it, it’s just a game,” the iconic left-armer remarked. “One team will win, one will lose, that’s the nature of sport. The challenge is to handle the pressure, stay disciplined, and enjoy the occasion.”
Drawing from his own career, Akram recalled thriving under the intensity of Indo-Pak encounters, including leading Pakistan during the tense 1999 tour of India and being part of the 1987 series at a time of heightened political tensions.
Both sides come into the Dubai clash in form.
India demolished the UAE in their opener, rolling them over for 57 and chasing the target inside five overs.
Pakistan, meanwhile, beat Oman convincingly, defending 160 before bowling their opponents out for 67 in 16.4 overs.
While India holds a dominant edge in T20Is, winning 10 of 13 contests, Akram reminded Pakistan that momentum can quickly shift.
“They are the T20 world champions, yes, but Pakistan just won a tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE. In tournaments like this, anything can happen,” he noted.
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