Former Pakistan fast-bowler Wasim Akram stressed that the Asia Cup 2025 must go ahead irrespective of whether India and Pakistan end up facing each other.
"Whether India play Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 or not, the game must go on," the legendary pacer said on the Stick With Cricket podcast.
This year’s Asia Cup will be staged in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28, featuring eight teams split into two groups. Group A consists of India, Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, while Group B has Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
An arrangement between the BCCI and PCB means that whenever either country is the host, matches are played in neutral venues for a three-year cycle.
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Accordingly, Dubai will stage 11 fixtures, while Abu Dhabi will host eight. The competition begins on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi.
India kick off their campaign against the UAE on September 10 in Dubai, followed by the marquee clash with Pakistan on September 14, also in Dubai. Their last group-stage game will be against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
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The Super 4s will feature the top two sides from each group, running from September 20 to 26. If India top their group, all of their matches will take place in Dubai. If they finish second, they will play once in Abu Dhabi and twice in Dubai. The tournament final is set for September 28 in Dubai.
Akram also shared his hopes of seeing bilateral cricket return between the two nations. "I hope to see a Test series between India and Pakistan in my lifetime," he said. "Politics apart, I am not a politician. They are patriotic about their country, we are patriotic about ours. Let's not go below the belt. Talk about the triumphs of your country; the same goes for Pakistan and the same goes for India. It is easier said than done."
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