Kapil Dev and Kamran Akmal urge calm ahead of India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash

Few cricket matches in the world generate as much anticipation — or tension — as an India vs Pakistan encounter. As the two arch-rivals prepare to face off in the Asia Cup 2025 this Sunday in Dubai, the backdrop to this showdown is anything but ordinary.

Calls to boycott the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash have surfaced in India following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025. On the other side of the border, memories of the Kargil-era hostility have resurfaced in media and public discourse. The match comes just months after one of the most intense military standoffs in decades between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

Kapil Dev: ‘Just focus on playing, don’t make this a big issue’

In response to the rising tensions, Indian cricket legend and 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev urged players to stay focused on the sport rather than external controversies.

“Just go and win. Those whose job is to play should just focus on playing – there’s no need to say anything else. Don’t make this a big issue. The government will do its job, and the players should do theirs,” said Kapil Dev.

India enters the match high on confidence after a commanding nine-wicket win against UAE, bowling out the hosts for just 57 runs and chasing the target in 27 balls.

“The team is very good and has secured an impressive victory. We hope they bring the trophy home,” said Kapil Dev.

India’s Supreme Court rejects plea to stop match

India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025

Adding legal drama to the mix, a petition filed by four law students in India, including Urvashi Jain, sought a ban on the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, arguing it was “inconsistent with national dignity.”

However, a bench led by Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi dismissed the request, questioning its urgency.

“What is the urgency? It’s a match, let it be. Match is this Sunday, what can be done?” said Supreme Court bench

While India restricts bilateral cricket with Pakistan, the Asia Cup and ICC events are classified as multinational tournaments, allowing both countries to compete under existing sports policy.

Kamran Akmal: ‘Fans must not cross the line’

From Pakistan’s side, former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal made a heartfelt appeal for peace and perspective, reminding everyone that cricket can be a bridge rather than a battleground.

“These are tough times in India-Pakistan relations. It will be tense, and that is why there are fears. But I think it will get better only if the game goes well,” said Kamran Akmal.

He called on fans from both nations to show maturity and restraint.

“Fans should show a big heart and come together to enjoy the full match. It should be an atmosphere like in the past. I request fans not to cross the line, whether they are from Pakistan or India,” said Kamran Akmal.

Aggression with respect — the key to healthy rivalry

Kamran acknowledged the inherent aggression in any India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash but stressed that respect must not be lost in the heat of the moment.

“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,” said Kamran Akmal.

He shared a personal memory involving India’s current head coach Gautam Gambhir from a previous Asia Cup match.

“It was a misunderstanding. Gautam is a very good person… I thought he said something to me, but he was talking to himself,” said Kamran Akmal.

Despite past flashpoints — like the altercation between Sufiyan Muqeem and Abhishek Sharma in an ‘A’ team match in Oman — Kamran remains optimistic.

“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,” said Kamran Akmal.