Legendary pace bowler Wasim Akram has encouraged the cricketers of Pakistan and India to disregard external distractions and relish the game when they face off in a highly intense Asia Cup T20 match on Sunday.
The Group A match in Dubai marks the initial encounter on the cricket field between the nations following a military conflict that occurred four months prior, which has brought relations between the nuclear-capable neighbors to their lowest level in decades.
India has declined to heed calls for a boycott of the match between the two countries, which have not engaged in any bilateral series since the tragic attacks in Mumbai in 2008.
“Enjoy, it’s a game of cricket,” legendary left-armer Akram told AFP of the match, which potentially could be the first of three high-octane meetings between the countries in the T20 tournament.
“Forget about everything other than cricket. One team will win, and one team will lose,” he said.
“Just enjoy the moment if you win the game. Pressure will come, enjoy that and show discipline because this is just a game. It’s for both teams and for both sets of fans.”
A capacity crowd of 25,000 is anticipated at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and Akram reminisced about how he excelled in high-pressure scenarios throughout his 19-year international career.
“I enjoyed every game against India, and so did players from the opposition,” said Akram, who led a Pakistan touring team to India in 1999 despite threats from extremists.
The 59-year-old participated in Pakistan’s 1987 tour, a time when the two nations were on the brink of conflict.
Akram urged a novice Pakistan team to consider the larger context and avoid being overwhelmed by the excitement of facing T20 world champions and long-standing rivals, India.
“Pakistan have a chance as they won a tri-series last week,” said Akram, referring to a T20 series with Afghanistan and the UAE.
“They should not think that we just need to win against India, think of winning the Asia Cup,” he said.
“You can lose to a big team but even then, stand up and play well in the tournament. “I don’t think the match will be one-sided like India against UAE,”Akram commented on India’s swift victory on Wednesday, where they required only 4.3 overs to achieve their target after bowling out the hosts for 57.
“Anything can happen in this tournament.”
Pakistan triumphed over Oman by a margin of 93 runs in their inaugural match on Friday.
Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh are placed in Group B.
The leading two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four. The final of the Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in Dubai on September 28.
