Asia Cup | Wasim Akram warns players and fans ahead of India vs Pakistan clash: ‘Do not cross the line’ | Cricket News – Times of India

Published on: 2025-08-23T22:52:01+05:30

By: TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Aug 23, 2025, 23:41 IST

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Asia Cup | Wasim Akram warns players and fans ahead of India vs Pakistan clash: 'Do not cross the line'

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: Aug 23, 2025, 23:41 IST

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Pakistani legend Wasim Akram has urged both Indian and Pakistani players and fans to maintain discipline during their Asia Cup clashes. Akram acknowledged India's strong form, highlighting that the team which handles pressure best will emerge victorious. He also expressed his desire for the resumption of India-Pakistan Test series, emphasizing the global appeal and historic significance of such encounters.

Wasim Akram has shared his take on the India vs Pakistan match at the Asia Cup and the feasibility of and IND-PAK Test series in the future (Images via Getty Images)

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has urged players and fans from both sides to keep emotions in check when India and Pakistan meet at the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE next month. The two arch-rivals will lock horns on September 14 in Dubai, with the possibility of another clash in the Super Four on September 21 and even a third in the final.

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"I am sure these matches will be entertaining, just like all other India-Pakistan matches. But I hope both the players and the fans will remain disciplined and do not cross the line," Akram told Telecom Asia Sport.

Highlighting the attention these fixtures attract on a global level, the former captain said, "Games between India and Pakistan are watched by billions around the world," calling the Asia Cup an ideal stage for fierce yet respectful competition.

On the cricketing front, Akram admitted that India would start favourites given their recent form but stressed that handling pressure would decide the outcome. "If Indians are patriotic and want their team to win, the same goes for Pakistani fans. India has been in better form recently and will start as favourites, but the team that handles pressure best on the day will win," he said.

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Pakistan's youthful squad, Akram noted, has the drive to compete strongly, but he regretted the absence of one of their biggest names. "Personally, I wanted to see Babar Azam in the team, but since he's not been selected, it's up to those in the squad to step up," he told Telecom Asia Sport.

Looking ahead, Akram said the tournament could deliver multiple India-Pakistan contests, while expressing his long-standing wish for a return of bilateral Test cricket. "This Asia Cup will be a feast for fans worldwide. It's my wish that India and Pakistan also resume playing a Test series. It's been too long, and it would be a historic spectacle for fans on both sides," he added.

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Reiterating his call for restraint, Akram stressed, "Fans must also show discipline," underscoring that sportsmanship must accompany the passion of the rivalry.

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About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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