The upcoming cricket match between India and Pakistan on September 2 at the Pallekele International Stadium in Sri Lanka is going to be a highlight for the Asia Cup. This encounter will mark their first meeting since the 2022 T20 World Cup match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Additionally, it will be their first encounter in the ODI format since the 2019 World Cup.
Pakistan will come into the match having played their opener against Nepal, while this will be India's first match in the continental event. They will play against Nepal two days later.
The anticipation for this match is extremely high, and it is often referred to as the "mother of all battles" due to the intense rivalry and emotions involved. This sentiment was echoed by a reporter during a tournament sponsor's event, where he asked former left-arm pacer Wasim Akram about his thoughts on the upcoming clash and which team he believes has the upper hand.
Wasim Akram responded by drawing attention to the unpredictability of cricket. He reminded everyone of the 2022 Asia Cup, where many had anticipated an India-Pakistan final, but Sri Lanka emerged as the surprise winner of the tournament. Akram highlighted how cricket can be full of surprises, and even though India might be seen as a strong team, any team can emerge victorious on a given day.
Furthermore, Akram mentioned that in the 2022 Asia Cup, the Indian team led by Rohit Sharma didn't even qualify for the final, showcasing the uncertainty and competitive nature of the sport.
"Last time we had predicted an India versus Pakistan final but Sri Lanka won the competition. All three teams are dangerous -- anyone can win on their day," Akram said. "There are other teams competing too. Last time Sri Lanka won the title, India even failed to make it to the final."
Wasim Akram's decision to steer away from discussing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) taking a stronger stand against India's stance regarding not traveling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup is likely a strategic choice. This topic involves political and diplomatic aspects that go beyond cricket, and it can be sensitive and controversial.
"I have always maintained and said that politics and sports should be apart from each other. People to people contact is very important and the average Indian and Pakistani, they do respect each other. I hope eventually sanity prevails," he said.