Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram has commented on the build-up ahead of the India-Pakistan encounter ahead of Asia Cup 2025. The match will be played on September 14 in Dubai and there is a lot of anticipation building up for that contest.
The tournament is being played in the UAE, with India being the defending champions of the tournament. The tournament and the match is being played on the backdrop of heightened political tensions between both countries.
Both countries were at war a few months ago, with Pakistan attacking Indian tourists in Pahalgam and the Indian Air Force retaliating with Operation Sindoor and destroying terrorist hideouts in the process.
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India Will Start As Favourites - Wasim Akram
The Asia Cup 2025 was on the verge of getting cancelled. However, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs came out with a new guideline where they have given a green signal to the match and the tournament in the UAE. However, they have outlined very clearly that India will not play any bilateral cricket with Pakistan and will not host any team from Pakistan on Indian soil in the future. Now, Akram has commented on the match, asking the fans and the players to behave when the match will be eventually played.
“I am sure these matches will be entertaining, just like all other India-Pakistan matches. But I hope both the players and the fans will remain disciplined and do not cross the line,” Akram told Telecom Asia Sport.
He further stressed saying that the match will grab a lot of eyeballs while adding that the teams will need to control their nerves.
"Games between India and Pakistan are watched by billions around the world. If Indians are patriotic and want their team to win, the same goes for Pakistani fans. India has been in better form recently and will start as favourites, but the team that handles pressure best on the day will win” Akram added.
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Akram On Babar's Exclusion From Pakistan's Asia Cup Squad
He further commented on Babar Azam’s exclusion from Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad wishing that he was part of the side.
“Personally, I wanted to see Babar Azam in the team, but since he’s not been selected, it’s up to those in the squad to step up,” he told Telecom Asia Sport.
The tournament starts from September 9, featuring 8 teams playing 19 games across 19 days, with the final scheduled on September 28. The tournament will be played in the T20I format.
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