'They will start as favourites': Wasim Akram gives his verdict on India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash

Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has shared his thoughts ahead of the blockbuster India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025. Akram said the match will surely be exciting like always, but he also urged both players and fans to stay disciplined and not cross the line.

“I am sure these matches will be entertaining, just like all other India-Pakistan matches. But I hope both the players and the fans will remain disciplined and do not cross the line. Games between India and Pakistan are watched by billions around the world,” Akram told Telecom Asia Sport.

Akram shares his prediction

Talking about the much-awaited clash, Akram admitted that India will start as favourites because of their recent strong performances. But at the same time, he pointed out that the real difference will come down to which team can handle the pressure better on the day.

“If Indians are patriotic and want their team to win, the same goes for Pakistani fans. India has been in better form recently and will start as favourites, but the team that handles pressure best on the day will win,” he added.

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The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match is scheduled to take place on September 14 at Dubai International Stadium. While India will start their campaign against the hosts UAE on September 10, Pakistan will face Oman in their opening game on September 12.

India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup: Squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.