Ex-players from both India and Pakistan have been vocal, trading views on whether the high-stakes match should even take place.
India vs Pakistan: A High-Stakes Clash Amid Political and Emotional Turmoil
For the first time since the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in late April this year, and the Indian government’s subsequent campaign known as Operation Sindoor that followed, India and Pakistan prepare for a cricket match on the international stage. As far as meetings between these two fierce rivals go, their Asia Cup 2025 encounter is set to be one of the most controversial—no small statement given the history of this rivalry.
The lead-up hasn’t been without tension and drama, with words exchanged between former players turned analysts and media figures on either side of the border. With many calling for India to withdraw from the game and refuse to play Pakistan on the grounds of their government’s alleged support of terrorism, the central debate has been whether cricket between the two countries should continue in this climate.
It is a debate that rages now and will likely continue even after the match is played. But as the build-up intensifies in Dubai, the words of former players resonate strongly, shaping the emotions of fans and fueling the narrative ahead of this high-stakes clash.
Former India – Pakistan stars speak out
“Emotions are running very high. Now we [Pakistan] are meeting India for the first time post-war,” said Shoaib Akhtar on Pakistani TV. The former pacer also dismissed concerns over ticket sales, insisting that the contest would be a sell-out even if the stands aren’t as loud as in previous encounters. “Think about it, it cannot not be houseful. Someone said to me that the tickets are unsold. I said, ‘What are you saying?’ Everything is sold. These are all the external talks,” Akhtar remarked.
Echoing the sentiment that the focus should now shift firmly to cricket, former Indian captain Kapil Dev urged the players to stay away from politics and simply concentrate on performance.