NEW DELHI: The fever of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry always grips fans with excitement, with demand to watch the match from the stands soaring to new heights. But reports suggest that Sunday's Asia Cup clash between the arch-rivals has not generated the same momentum in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
There are growing demands in the country to boycott the match, with the BCCI finding itself at the centre of criticism for going ahead with the tie. Meanwhile, reports of low ticket sales have also cast doubt ahead of the game.
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar brushed aside the concerns, stressing that an India-Pakistan clash is always driven by raw emotions and passion. The 'Rawalpindi Express' asserted that the stadium will be filled to capacity, regardless of the speculation about low turnout.
"Emotions are running very high. Now we [Pakistan] are meeting India for the first time post-war. Think about it, it cannot not be houseful. Someone said to me that the tickets are unsold. I said, 'What are you saying?' Everything is sold. These are all the external talks," Akhtar told PTV Sports.
The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists, began the most recent worsening of relations between the two countries.
The ensuing military operation and the public anger have played a role in the very muted build-up to the most high-profile match of the continental cricketing showpiece.
