‘Emotions are running very high….’- Former Pakistan pacer’s straightforward remark on low ticket demand for IND-PAK match
Ex-Pakistan pacer highlights heightened emotions as India and Pakistan gear up to meet on the cricket field for the first time since the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
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Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar reflected on the highly emotional backdrop surrounding the upcoming India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash. According to him, the encounter is not just another cricket match, but a contest being played amid heightened political and social tensions between the two nations.
The rivalry comes after a particularly difficult period for both countries. The terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, left deep scars. The tragic incident added to the already strained relationship, making the prospect of an India-Pakistan clash even more sensitive and closely followed.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor in May, targeting terror bases across the border. The operation escalated tensions and nearly brought the two countries into a larger conflict. It was only after Pakistan sought a ceasefire that the situation was brought under control, setting the stage for this emotional cricketing battle.
Shoaib Akhtar Dismisses Claims Suggesting Unsold Tickets:
Shoaib Akhtar expressed confidence that the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash will witness a packed stadium. He dismissed claims suggesting unsold tickets, stressing that such a high-profile encounter would naturally draw full attendance, especially with just a day left before the much-anticipated showdown.
According to him, the hype alone ensures a houseful atmosphere at the venue. He said, “ Emotions are running very high. Now we [Pakistan] are meeting India for the first time post-war. 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.”
Ex-India cricketer claims India B team could beat Pakistan:
Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan stirred debate with his bold remark on Pakistan’s current squad. He suggested that even a second-string Indian team has the strength and depth to overcome this Pakistan side, highlighting the contrasting quality and bench power between the two cricketing nations ahead of their much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai.
He said, “ India's B team will also beat this Pakistan team because things have changed. When we played in the 90s, they were a very good side. Now the boot is on the other foot. I will not miss Rohit (Sharma) and Virat (Kohli) because then I will start missing Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev also.”
He further said, “ The king is dead, long live the king. Things move, new superstars come in, and this embarrassment of riches, and I feel sorry for the selectors because to keep everyone in the mix because who's to drop and who's to pick.”
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