Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram, ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, said he wants India and Pakistan to resume T20I matches. The last Test match between the two countries was when Younis Khan’s team toured India. Sourav Ganguly was the highest run-getter in the three-match series with over 500 runs, and India had won 1-0.

Asia Cup will be historic spectacle for fans

In a statement, Akram said that cricket fans across the world love seeing India and Pakistan face off, and it would be historic to see Test matches resume.

“This Asia Cup will be a feast for fans worldwide. It’s my wish that India and Pakistan also resume playing a Test series. It’s been too long, and it would be a historic spectacle for fans on both sides,” Wasim Akram said in an interview.

The Asia Cup fixture has drawn criticism

Since 2014, India and Pakistan have not played bilateral cricket due to cross-border tensions. Now, after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, the tension between the two nations has further escalated. Amidst this, the Asia Cup fixture has drawn criticism from fans, experts, and even cricketers.

India’s emergence as a credible venue

Despite the backlash, the Indian government has confirmed that it would not stop players from playing against Pakistan. The Sports Ministry stated, “With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons. It is also relevant to take into account India’s emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events.”

The ministry further noted, “To position India as a preferred destination for hosting international sporting events, the visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies shall be simplified. Specifically, office-bearers of these bodies will be granted multi-entry visas on a priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years. This will facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms. Due protocol and courtesies, as per established practice, shall be extended to the Heads of International Sports Governing Bodies.”