Akhtar Fuels India-Pakistan Cricket Hype, Downplays Ticket Concerns Ahead of Asia Cup Clash

The countdown is on for one of cricket’s most high-octane showdowns. India and Pakistan will clash in a Group A Asia Cup 2025 match on Sunday, September 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, marking their first encounter since the cross-border tensions earlier this year. The fixture has stirred strong emotions on both sides. Some fans have criticized the BCCI, arguing that the board should have boycotted the contest due to recent political friction. Meanwhile, reports of low ticket sales have added another layer of speculation ahead of the game. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, however, dismissed such claims. Speaking to Tapmad, the “Rawalpindi Express” highlighted the high emotions surrounding the clash and insisted that the stadium will be packed, despite rumours to the contrary. “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,” Akhtar said.Click here to watch the video. Both teams have started their Asia Cup 2025 campaigns in style. Pakistan cruised to a 93-run victory over Oman, with Mohammad Haris smashing 66 before their spinners bowled Oman out for just 67 in 16.4 overs. India were equally dominant against UAE. Chasing a mere 58, the Indian top order, led by Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, made light work of the target, reaching 60 for 1 in just 4.3 overs. Kuldeep Yadav (4/7) and Shivam Dube (3/4) had earlier dismantled the UAE batting line-up.