Follow UsIndia and Pakistan will go head-to-head in the Asia Cup 2025 next month, and it is one of the most anticipated clashes in world cricket at the moment. The match will be played against the backdrop of the strained Indo-Pak political relationship, more so after Pakistan's involvement in the terror attack in Pahalgam a few months ago.
However, former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram believes that despite the ongoing tension between the two countries, the game must go on. "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 on the Stick With Cricket Podcast.
Akram, who is Pakistan's highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs, says that he wants to see another Test series between the arch-rivals in his lifetime. India and Pakistan have not played a Test series against each other since December 2007.
"I hope to see a Test series between India and Pakistan in my lifetime," he said. "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."
In the Asia Cup, India have been drawn alongside Pakistan, UAE and Oman. India begin their campaign against the UAE in Dubai on September 10, four days before their clash against Pakistan, also in Dubai.