There is a lot of excitement surrounding the India versus Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025, currently taking place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
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.
The marquee encounter will be held in the backdrop of heightened tensions between the two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack and the retaliatory Operation Sindoor.
With only a few days remaining for the marquee fixture, former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has urged India and Pakistan fans to show restraint, hoping that cricket eases tensions and fosters respect despite political strains and past on-field clashes.
“Fans must show a big heart," Akmal told Telecom Asia Sport. “These are tough times in India-Pakistan relations. It will be tense, and that is why there is fear. But I think it will get better only if the game goes well.”
“Fans should show a big heart and come together to enjoy the full match. It should be an atmosphere like in the past. I request fans not to cross the line, whether they are from Pakistan or India. They must make the match successful so that Indo-Pak matches continue," he added.
While Akmal acknowledged that aggression has always been part of India-Pakistan clash, he cautioned the players against crossing the line. “Aggression is the beauty of an India-Pakistan match. How to take that aggression is the key. Respect should be there. Players will have to remember cricket is a gentleman’s game. If they keep that in mind, I am sure Sunday’s match will go untroubled."
“There was an ‘A’ team match in Oman last year where Sufiyan Muqeem and Abhishek Sharma had a verbal clash. Aggression will always be there, but it should be controlled,” he remarked.
Kamran Akmal also clarified the on-field confrontation involving him and India’s current head coach Gautam Gambhir during the 2010 Asia Cup.
“It was a misunderstanding. Gautam is a very good person. We had toured Kenya together for an ‘A’ team event and became good friends. In that Asia Cup match, I appealed when he missed a shot. He was talking to himself about the miss, but I thought he said something to me. That’s how the misunderstanding happened."
Despite the cross-border conflict, Akmal believes cricket can help bridge divides and hopes for a full house on Sunday.
“Both teams will be tense, but like in the past, it will ease out once the game begins. If they play good cricket, differences will get less. I am sure a full house will enjoy the game."
