Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal hopes the much anticipated encounter between arch rivals India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai proceeds peacefully, despite their being concerns of the tensions spilling over on and off the field.
Amid calls for a boycott of the match, the Indian government approved it under its new policy, which allows participation against Pakistan in multinational tournaments but not any bilateral series.
Kamran Akmal’s thoughts on the upcoming clash and fans restraint.Â
Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Kamran Akmal who has featured in several iconic India-Pakistan contests including the 2011 World Cup semi-final, said: “Fans must show a big heart. These are tough times in India-Pakistan relations. It will be tense, and that is why there is fear. But I think it will get better only if the game goes well.”Â
Recalling the United Arab Emirates as a neutral venue where fans from both sides often mingled, Kamran Akmal appealed for restraint saying: “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.”Â
Kamran Akmal opines on the on-field aggression and respect between the sides
When asked about the on-field aggression and respect, Kamran Akmal acknowledged that aggression has always been part of Indo-Pak matches but warned that players must not cross the line. He said: “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.”Â
In the report, he cited a recent example of a verbal clash between players. He said: “There was an ‘A’ team match in Oman last year where Sufiyan Muqeem and Abhishek Sharma had verbal clash. Aggression will always be there, but it should be controlled.”Â
Kamran Akmal clarifies on his fight with Gautam Gambhir
Reflecting on his famous on-field confrontation with India’s current head coach Gautam Gambhir during the 2010 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka, Kamran Akmal clarified the incident. He said: “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.”Â
Despite the political tension, Kamran Akmal believes cricket can help bridge divides and he hopes for a full house on Sunday. Kamran Akmal concluded by saying: “Both teams will be tense, but like in the past, it will ease out once the game begins. If they play good cricket, differences will get less. I am sure a full house will enjoy the game.”Â
We will have to see how the game unfolds as the arch rivals meet against each other on Sunday. One will definitely pray and hope there is no untoward incident amongst the fans and the game goes on peacefully without any trouble. Yes, as Kamran Akmal said, the situation is tense between the two sides and there is always the possibility of things falling out of control. We hope that is not the case in Dubai as it is always a hyped up match by everyone involved.
There are other matches to be played before that with Pakistan playing their first game against Oman on Friday night in Dubai. So, a lot to look forward to as we are just getting started in Asia Cup 2025. Lots more fun and excitement coming your way soon.
Also Read:Â Asia Cup 2025: Kuldeep Yadav & Co Bamboozle UAE