The arch-rivals are slated to square off on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium.
Legendary pacer Wasim Akram addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the scheduled India versus Pakistan fixture in the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, insisting that the "game must go on".
The arch-rivals are slated to square off on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium in a Group A fixture. They might face each other thrice in the continental showpiece, provided both teams make it to the Super 4s and final.
Ever since the schedule was announced last month, the BCCI has faced significant criticism for agreeing to play against Pakistan amidst the heightened tensions between two tensions since the Pahalgam terror attack and retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
The criticism intensified after the organisers of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 recently called off the game between India and Pakistan in the group stage owing to social media backlash. A day before the game, a number of former Indian cricketers pulled out, leading to the organisers taking the hard call.
India Champions then withdrew from the semi-final clash against Pakistan, giving the latter a walk-over into the final.
Amid the hue and cry, Akram called for calm as he emphasized the importance of keeping politics away from sport.
"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 while speaking on the Stick With Cricket podcast.
"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," he added.
Wasim Akram also hoped to see India and Pakistan contest at least one bilateral Test series in his lifetime. The two neighbours have not played a bilateral Test series since 2007.
“I hope to see a Test series between India and Pakistan in my lifetime,” Akram remarked.