Asia Cup: Kamran Akmal hopes for calm before and after blockbuster India-Pakistan clash

September 10, 2025

New Delhi: Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has called for restraint and sportsmanship ahead of the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 encounter between archrivals India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday.

The game comes just four months after a military conflict between the two neighbours — the most serious standoff since the 1999 Kargil War — triggered by a terrorist attack on Pahalgam in April that claimed 26 lives.

Despite calls for a boycott, the Indian government approved participation under its new policy, which permits matches against Pakistan only in multinational tournaments, not bilateral series.

“Fans Must Show a Big Heart”

Akmal, who featured in several iconic India–Pakistan fixtures including the 2011 World Cup semifinal in Mohali, told Telecom Asia Sport that the tense atmosphere demands maturity from supporters.

“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.”

Recalling the UAE’s history as a neutral venue where fans mingled freely, he appealed:

“Fans should show a big heart and come together to enjoy the full match… I request fans not to cross the line… They must make the match successful so that Indo-Pak matches continue.”

Aggression vs. Respect on the Field

While acknowledging that on-field intensity has always been part of the rivalry, Akmal stressed the importance of balance.

“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.”

He cited last year’s ‘A’ team clash in Oman, where Sufiyan Muqeem and Abhishek Sharma exchanged words, as a reminder that aggression must remain controlled.

Clearing the Air with Gambhir

Akmal also addressed his well-known on-field confrontation with India’s current head coach Gautam Gambhir during the 2010 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.

“It was a misunderstanding… In that Asia Cup match, I appealed when he missed a shot. He was talking to himself, but I thought he said something to me. That’s how the misunderstanding happened.”

Cricket as a Bridge

Despite political strain, Akmal expressed hope that cricket could help ease tensions.

“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.”