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Legendary pacer says politics should stay aside, cricket must continue as Asia Cup 2025 heads to UAE
Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has weighed in on the buzz surrounding the India vs Pakistan clash at the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, stating that whether or not the two teams meet, “the game must go on, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.”
Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. Though India is the official host, the matches will be played at neutral venues for three years, as per the BCCI–PCB agreement.
Dubai will host 11 matches, while Abu Dhabi will stage eight. The tournament opener on September 9 will see Afghanistan face Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi. India begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by the highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. Their final group-stage match against Oman is scheduled for September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
The Asia Cup will be played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28, featuring eight teams across two groups
The Super 4 stage runs from September 20–26, featuring the top two teams from each group, with the grand finale set for September 28 in Dubai.
Akram, speaking on the Stick With Cricket Podcast, urged fans and officials not to let politics overshadow cricket:
“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.”
He also expressed hope of witnessing a bilateral Test series between India and Pakistan in the future:
“I hope to see a Test series between India and Pakistan in my lifetime. 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 India. It is easier said than done.”
Akram calls for cricketing spirit to prevail as India and Pakistan prepare for their much-awaited Asia Cup encounter.
