The countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 has begun, and all eyes are on the possibility of yet another India vs Pakistan clash. Scheduled from September 9 to 28 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the tournament features eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
India open their campaign on September 10 against UAE in Dubai before the marquee clash with Pakistan on September 14. The final group-stage match for India is set against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. The top two teams from each group advance to the Super 4 stage (September 20–26), with the final slated for September 28 in Dubai.
There is anticipation and controversy surrounding the upcoming India-Pakistan fixture(s), with many Indian fans and politicians calling for a boycott of Pakistan at the tournament by India.
In the middle of this, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram offered a blunt reminder that cricket cannot afford to halt. “Asia Cup schedule has been announced, let’s see what happens. We are getting backlash, but we in Pakistan are calm — we are fine whether we play or don’t play. The game must go on,” Akram said on Stick To Cricket Podcast.
The legendary fast bowler further emphasized the need to separate cricket from politics, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and respect between the two nations. “Indians would probably take a different take on it. Politics apart, “We are not politicians; I am not a politician. They are patriotic about their country, I am patriotic about my country, but let’s not go below the belt. Talk about your country and their triumphs — the same goes for both India and Pakistan. It’s easier said than done,” Akram added on the same podcast.
In addition to his views on the Asia Cup, Akram also shared a personal wish for the future of cricket between the two nations. “I hope to see a Test series between India and Pakistan in my lifetime,” he said on the Stick To Cricket Podcast.
While tensions between India and Pakistan continue to dictate the frequency of their bilateral encounters, Akram’s words resonate as a call for the spirit of the game to prevail. For now, the Asia Cup 2025 offers another opportunity for the rivalry to unfold on the grand stage of UAE cricket.
