'Game must go on': Wasim Akram's blunt take on India vs Pakistan match in Asia Cup

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 25: Ex Lancashire and Pakistan player Wasim Akram rings the bell ahead of Day Three of the 4th Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford on July 25, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

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Poll Do you think the Asia Cup 2025 should proceed regardless of India-Pakistan matchups? Yes, the game must go on. No, it's not the same without the rivalry.

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has opined that whether India play Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 or not, "the game must go on."The Asia Cup will be hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28, featuring eight teams divided into two groups. Group A comprises India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.Although India is the official tournament host, matches will be played at neutral venues for three years when competitions are held in India or Pakistan, as per an agreement between the BCCI and PCB.Dubai will host 11 matches, while Abu Dhabi will stage eight fixtures. The tournament opens with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong on September 9 in Abu Dhabi.India begins their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on September 14, also in Dubai. Their final group-stage match against Oman is scheduled for September 19 in Abu Dhabi.The Super 4 stage will feature the top two teams from each group. If India tops Group A, all their Super 4 matches will be played in Dubai. However, if they finish second, one match will be in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai.The Super 4 stage runs from September 20 to 26, with the final scheduled for September 28 in Dubai."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 is also hopeful that there will be a Test series between India and Pakistan in the near future."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."

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