NEW DELHI: India-Pakistan cricket matches always get the better of players' emotions, as has been witnessed on numerous occasions. One such instance was the clash between current India head coach Gautam Gambhir and former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal during the 2010 Asia Cup.
Recalling the incident, Akmal clarified that it was merely a misunderstanding with the 'very good person' Gautam.
"It was a misunderstanding. Gautam is a very good person. We had toured Kenya together for an 'A' team event and became good friends. In that Asia Cup match, I appealed when he missed a shot. He was talking to himself about the miss, but I thought he said something to me. That's how the misunderstanding happened," he told Telecom Asia Sport.
Akmal also spoke about the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash, expressing hope that the game could help improve relations. "These are tough times in India-Pakistan relations. It will be tense, and that is why there are fears. But I think it will get better only if the game goes well," Akmal said.
Calls to boycott the match grew stronger in India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. However, Indian government policy permits the team to participate in multinational tournaments against Pakistan, but not in bilateral series.
Akmal also urged fans to behave responsibly in the stadium. "Fans should show a big heart and come together to enjoy the full match. It should be an atmosphere like in the past. I request fans not to cross the line, whether they are from Pakistan or India. They must make the match successful so that Indo-Pak matches continue," he added.
Akmal emphasized that while aggression is inherent in the India-Pakistan rivalry, players need to keep it in check.
"Aggression is the beauty of an India-Pakistan match. How to take that aggression is the key. Respect should be there. Players will have to remember cricket is a gentleman's game. If they keep that in mind, I am sure Sunday’s match will go untroubled," he said.
