Wasim Akram has requested players from Pakistan and India to focus on cricket and enjoy the contest when they meet in the Asia Cup T20 on Sunday.
The Group A match in Dubai will be the first meeting between the rivals since a military conflict four months ago pushed relations between the neighbours to a low point. India rejected calls to boycott the game.
“Enjoy, it’s a game of cricket,” Akram told AFP. “Forget about everything else. One team will win, and one team will lose. Enjoy the moment if you win. Pressure will come, but handle it with discipline.”
A packed crowd of 25,000 is expected at Dubai International Stadium. Akram said he loved playing against India during his 19-year career. “I enjoyed every game, and so did the opposition,” said the former captain, who led Pakistan in India in 1999 despite security threats.
Akram, now 59, also toured India in 1987 when the two nations were on the brink of war. He advised Pakistan’s young team not to get lost in the hype of facing the T20 world champions.
“Pakistan have a chance as they won a tri-series last week,” he said, referring to their victory over Afghanistan and the UAE. “Don’t just think about beating India. Think about winning the Asia Cup. Even if you lose to a big team, play well and move forward.”
India began the tournament by thrashing the UAE in just 4.3 overs. But Akram warned that the Pakistan clash will be much closer. “Anything can happen in this tournament,” he said.
Pakistan started with a strong win too, beating Oman by 93 runs on Friday.
Group B includes Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will reach the Super Four.
