Wasim Akram urges fans to view India-Pakistan cricket matches as sports

Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has called on fans to stop viewing India-Pakistan matches through the lens of political or historical tensions. Speaking on a podcast, he emphasized that these encounters should be regarded only as sport, where wins and losses are expected outcomes. Akram reflected on his past mentorship of former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, noting that the two maintained a positive relationship despite Pathan's frequent social media comments regarding Pakistan. While acknowledging the intensity of the rivalry, Akram expressed frustration with fans who continue to fuel online animosity. He encouraged supporters to move past historical grievances and treat the sport as a game rather than a battleground.

• 5:21 PMYahoo Sports — ‘It’s only a frikkin game’: Wasim Akram recalls helping Irfan Pathan before his anti-Pakistan posts