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.
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.
Ahead of the game, legendary pacer Wasim Akram has said that Pakistan can challenge India in the continental event, despite the defending champions’ strong form and recent victories.
“I think it will be a competitive match,” Wasim told Telecom Asia Sport. “Yes, India are a good and strong team and if you compare these two teams player-wise India look strong, but I think Pakistan will have the confidence of winning the tri-series and will give a good competition.”
The 59-year-old welcomed Pakistan’s transition under Salman Agha and Mike Hesson but emphasized the importance of patience. “Pakistan is a young side with a good captain and a good head coach, so they need time to settle into a stronger unit. We, as a nation, need quick results which will not come,” he said.
Akram expressed concerns over Mohammad Haris’ role in the batting order. “For me they have a few problems, like Mohammad Haris is not in the best of form but he is not playing at his usual number as opener,” he noted, adding, “It’s tough on Haris… it’s next to impossible for an opener to bat in the middle order.”
Bowling depth remains a cause of concern as well, feels Wasim Akram. “You cannot have two part-time bowlers as a fifth bowling option. If you have two part-timers then the team will attack them,” he warned.
While highlighting Pakistan’s challenges, Akram also acknowledged India’s depth. “Kuldeep and Varun are both good. It’s tough to read them. Kuldeep was very accurate and lethal the other day,” he said, praising India’s system and infrastructure for sustained excellence.
Commenting on Jasprit Bumrah, Akram emphasized how difficult it is for a pacer like him in the modern game. “Bumrah is top of the ladder and is being managed well by India. So credit to bowlers of this era because due to T20 cricket there is more pressure on them.”
