Pace-bowling legend Wasim Akram has called on Pakistan and India\u2019s cricketers to block out the noise and simply enjoy themselves when the two sides clash in a high-voltage Asia Cup T20 encounter this Sunday. The Group A fixture in Dubai marks the first cricketing meeting between the two nations since a military standoff four months ago pushed relations between the nuclear-armed rivals to one of their lowest points in decades. Despite political tensions, India rejected calls to boycott the match. The two sides have not contested a bilateral series since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. \u201cEnjoy it\u2019s just cricket,\u201d Akram told AFP, stressing that the game should not be overshadowed by politics or pressure. \u201cOne team will win, the other will lose. Just enjoy the moment. Pressure will be there, but take it in stride and show discipline.\u201d The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is expected to be packed with 25,000 spectators, and Akram reflected on how he relished similar high-pressure clashes during his illustrious 19-year international career. \u201cI enjoyed every match against India, and so did their players,\u201d recalled the former left-arm great, who captained Pakistan during the tense 1999 tour of India. He was also part of the 1987 tour when both nations came close to war. Advising a relatively inexperienced Pakistan squad, Akram urged them to focus on the bigger picture rather than being consumed by the rivalry with India. \u201cPakistan have a chance, especially after winning a tri-series with Afghanistan and the UAE last week,\u201d he said. \u201cThey must not think only of beating India \u2014 their goal should be to win the Asia Cup.\u201d \u201cYou can lose to a big team but even then, stand up and play well in the tournament. \u201cI don\u2019t think the match will be one-sided like India against UAE,\u201d said Akram of India\u2019s opening romp on Wednesday, where they needed just 4.3 overs to reach their target after dismissing the hosts for 57. \u201cAnything can happen in this tournament.\u201d Pakistan beat Oman by 93 runs in their opening match on Friday. Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Bangladesh are in Group B. The top two teams from each Group will qualify for the Super Four. The Asia Cup final will be in Dubai on September 28.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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