DUBAI: Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has shared a key advice for Pakistan players ahead of the high octane clash against India in the Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan and India are all set for the high voltage clash of the year in Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai. The arch rivals come into the Dubai clash in form.
In the head to head contest, India holds a dominant edge in T20Is, winning 10 of 13 matches.
This will be the first meeting between the rivals since their Pakistan’s historic victory in the military conflict earlier this year.
The event is being hosted by the BCCI in the UAE. Officials were under pressure to boycott the match against Pakistan but ignored it and went ahead. Due to media hype over non-issues, Indian cricketers are under extra pressure.
Ahead of the crucial clash, Wasim Akram said that “Pakistan shouldn’t just aim to beat India; the real target is to win the Asia Cup. Even if you lose to a strong opponent, the key is to stand tall and play well throughout the tournament.”
“Enjoy it, it’s just a game,” the iconic left-armer remarked. “One team will win, one will lose, that’s the nature of sport. The challenge is to handle the pressure, stay disciplined, and enjoy the occasion,” he added.
The Sultan of Swing reminded Pakistan that momentum can quickly shift.
“They are the T20 world champions, yes, but Pakistan just won a tri-series against Afghanistan and the UAE. In tournaments like this, anything can happen,” he noted.
Squads
Pakistan: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.
Also read: Key players to watch out for in Pakistan-India Asia Cup clash
