NEW DELHI: Uncertainty over the Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan continues to grow, with legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram also sharing his views on the matter. The Pahalgam terror attack in April this year has sparked widespread calls among Indian fans to boycott the high-profile encounter.
Akram stressed that there has been no hue and cry in Pakistan following the release of the Asia Cup schedule, and emphasised that 'the game must go on,' irrespective of whether India and Pakistan face each other or not.
"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 also made an appeal to keep discussions respectful, urging that conversations should focus only on the victories both nations have registered against each other, without going below the belt.
"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."
The Asia Cup will be staged in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28, with eight teams split into two groups. Group A features India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
India will open their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, before locking horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in a much-anticipated clash on September 14 at the same venue. Their final group-stage fixture is set for September 19 in Abu Dhabi, where they will face Oman.
