Game must go on: Akram on Ind-Pak clash

Wasim reveals his era’s top five cricketers

Monitoring Desk

KARACHI: Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram has said that whether or not India faces Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, cricket must continue.

Speaking on the Stick With Cricket Podcast, Akram addressed the controversy surrounding the tournament schedule. “Asia Cup schedule is out, there is backlash. But we in Pakistan are calm. We will be fine whether we play or don’t play. The game must go on,” Akram said. The former captain also expressed hope for the revival of bilateral cricket between the two arch-rivals. “I hope to see a Test series between India and Pakistan in my lifetime,” he said.

“Politics apart, I am not a politician. They are patriotic about their country, we are patriotic about ours. Let’s not go below the belt. Talk about the triumphs of your country; the same goes for Pakistan and the same goes for India. It is easier said than done.” Meanwhile, Akram has revealed his top five cricketers from his illustrious playing days, naming Sir Vivian Richards as the toughest batter he bowled to. When asked to name the best batter, the 59-year-old picked West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards. “It’s not just about his batting — it was the whole package, the charisma he carried with him,” Akram said. He added that he also faced many other greats, including Allan Border, Graham Gooch, Sachin Tendulkar, and Brian Lara. “Sir Viv was at the end of his career in 1987-88, but what a character he was — everyone’s hero,” Akram added.

He went on to name the five best cricketers during his career. “My top has to be Imran Khan, because of what he did for Pakistan. Then Viv Richards, Martin Crowe, Brian Lara, and Sachin Tendulkar,” he revealed. Akram also recalled some of the toughest contests he faced, singling out Australian wicketkeeper-batter Adam Gilchrist in ODIs. “I very rarely played against the great Ponting, but in ODIs, Gilchrist was one who really troubled me,” he admitted. When asked about the best countries to play cricket in, Akram chose England and Australia. “I remember touring there in 1989 after my first year with Lancashire, and Imran [Khan] told me, ‘If you perform against Australia in their own conditions, you’ll be recognised straight away.’ And that’s exactly what happened,” Akram concluded.