Wasim Akram's message for fans ahead of India-Pakistan Asia Cup match: 'If Indians are patriotic…’

Wasim Akram sparks fire ahead of IND-PAK Asia Cup clash. (Photo: ICC/X)

When the Indian cricket team plays Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup, Wasim Akram thinks they would start as the favorites. According to the former captain of Pakistan, the game on September 14 will be extremely intense, and the team that can withstand the pressure will win.

Following reports that India would withdraw, there has been a lot of discussion surrounding the match. But the fans are excitedly anticipating the match, which is sure to draw a lot of attention. In order to make the game "entertaining" for everyone, Akram cautioned the supporters to maintain their decorum and not "cross the line."

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“I am sure these matches will be entertaining, just like all other Ind-Pak matches. But I hope both the players and the fans will remain disciplined and not cross the line. If Indians are patriotic and want their team to win, the same goes for Pakistani fans. India have been in better form recently and will start as favourites, but the team that handles pressure best on the day will win," he told Telecom Asia Sport.

Akram said the Asia Cup might provide supporters with a number of India-Pakistan matches, including a potential championship match. “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.

However, the Indian government just two days earlier made it clear that it would not permit bilateral matches between the two nations, so that might not happen anytime soon.

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Akram also emphasized that supporters and players alike must practice sportsmanship. The significance of upholding civility in such high-stakes contests was emphasized by his statement that "fans must also show discipline."

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