Legendary pace bowler Wasim Akram has encouraged the cricketers from Pakistan and India to focus on the joy of the game amid the high stakes of their Asia Cup T20 match this Sunday.
This Group A encounter in Dubai marks the first cricketing face-off between the nations since a military conflict four months ago plunged their relations to a historic low.
Despite calls for a boycott, India decided to proceed with the match against Pakistan, with whom they haven’t engaged in a bilateral series since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, attributed to Pakistani militants.
“Enjoy, it’s just cricket,” the iconic left-arm fast bowler Akram told AFP, referring to the match, which could be the first of three intense showdowns between the rivals in this T20 tournament.
“Forget everything else and focus on cricket. One team will win and one will lose,” he remarked.
“Celebrate the win if it comes. Embrace the pressure and maintain discipline because it’s ultimately just a game. It’s for both teams and their fans,” he added.
A full house of 25,000 fans is anticipated at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Akram reminisced about thriving under similar pressure throughout his 19-year international career.
“I enjoyed every match against India, as did the players from the other side,” said Akram, who led a Pakistan team to India in 1999 despite extremist threats.
The 59-year-old was also part of Pakistan’s 1987 tour when the two countries nearly went to war.
Akram advised the relatively inexperienced Pakistan team to keep the broader perspective in mind and not get swept up by the hype of facing T20 world champions India.
“Pakistan has a chance, having won a tri-series last week,” said Akram, referencing their T20 series win over Afghanistan and the UAE.
“Their goal should not just be to beat India but to aim for the Asia Cup title,” he advised.
“Even if you lose to a strong team, stand your ground and perform well throughout the tournament.
“I don’t foresee a one-sided match like India’s recent easy victory over the UAE,” noted Akram regarding India’s swift chase on Wednesday after bowling out UAE for 57.
“Anything can happen in this tournament,” he concluded.
Pakistan secured a 93-run victory over Oman in their opening match on Friday.
Group B features Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four.
The Asia Cup final is scheduled for September 28 in Dubai.
