Ignore Pressure and Noise, Enjoy the Game: Wasim Akram Advises Players Ahead of Pakistan-India Clash

LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has advised players from both Pakistan and India to ignore pressure and outside noise as they face off in Dubai for the Asia Cup.

This marks the first bilateral encounter between the two sides since the military tensions that flared up four months ago. India has decided to play despite calls for a boycott, making the match even more significant.

Akram said, *“It’s just a game—one team will win and the other will lose. Both sides need to enjoy the pressure and play with discipline.”*

He added that Pakistan carries renewed confidence after winning the recent tri-nation tournament, but stressed that the team’s focus should be on winning the entire Asia Cup, not just defeating India.