The stage is set for another electrifying India-Pakistan cricket clash, as the two archrivals prepare to face off in the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Stadium on September 14. But this time, the buzz isn’t just about the rivalry—it’s about the undeniable aura surrounding the current Indian team, and the fierce debate about how both nations manage their cricketing stars.
Former Pakistan captain and bowling legend Wasim Akram has seen Indian cricket evolve for over four decades. His recent comments have added fresh fuel to the ongoing conversation about the state of cricket in the subcontinent. "For the last five years, India have been the best in the world. It’s an incredible accumulation of talent. They are physically and mentally very strong. The only challenge now is not to be over-confident," Akram remarked, according to an interview published on September 13, 2025. He didn’t mince words: this Indian side, he believes, is the best he’s ever witnessed.
Akram’s praise didn’t stop at team accolades. He singled out Jasprit Bumrah, calling him the "No. 1 bowler in the world" and lauding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their careful management of his workload. "I’m actually quite happy to see the way they’re managing his workload because it’s impossible for any human being to play three formats all the time because he’s a special bowler. He’s the number one bowler. And if he needs a rest, you give him a rest," Akram said during a Sony Sports Network interaction. He recalled the criticism Bumrah received for sitting out a Test in England, but pointed out that India’s bench strength—highlighted by Mohammed Siraj’s spirited performances—meant the team never skipped a beat.
This sentiment is echoed by another former Pakistan pacer, Umar Gul, who recently criticized Pakistan’s lack of a structured rotation and workload management policy. Gul drew a sharp contrast with India’s approach, noting that "when we say someone like Bumrah only plays in ICC events, the idea is that when our premium bowler comes back fit, the first priority should always be him." Gul lamented that in Pakistan, players often push themselves to play even when not fully fit, fearing they might lose their place if a replacement shines. "Rotation policy is not properly followed here. Instead, we only look at performance—if a new guy performs, we immediately put him in. I think trust needs to be developed in the system, and proper rotation policy should be followed, but the priority should remain that when your senior is fully fit, he should play," Gul explained on PTV Sports.
Gul’s critique comes in the wake of high-profile injury management missteps by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), notably with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saim Ayub. Afridi’s knee injury in 2022-23 and his subsequent rushed comeback drew the ire of pundits, who accused the board of mishandling his rehabilitation. Gul stressed that "rehab is very important for players," and that the system should ensure full recovery, even if it means extending rest periods beyond medical recommendations.
Meanwhile, Akram’s focus remains on the bigger picture. He believes the Indian bowling attack has not only caught up with, but in some ways surpassed, the fear factor once associated with Pakistan’s own legendary pace units of the 1990s. "The Indian bowling attack, they’ve showed time and time again, they are one of the best bowling attacks in the world and led by the number one bowler in the world right now, Jasprit Bumrah," Akram said. He also praised Mohammed Siraj for "bowling his heart out" in England, sprinting in every ball and showcasing the kind of attitude that has become synonymous with the current Indian team.
But what about Pakistan’s prospects heading into the Asia Cup and beyond? Akram sees hope in the team’s new aggressive approach, especially in T20s. The decision to drop stalwarts like Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan in favor of a younger, more adventurous lineup has raised eyebrows, but Akram supports the move. "It’s a young side, young captain. It will take time. But one thing I like about this team is, I think last series, the tri-series, I think they hit about 40 plus sixes in the whole series. It’s nine sixes per game," he said, highlighting the squad’s newfound intent. Akram, however, stopped short of speculating on Babar Azam’s future, saying, "I don’t want to discuss what his future is. This is a young team with a different mindset."
He also weighed in on the shifting balance of power in Asian cricket, suggesting that Afghanistan and Pakistan are currently on par as the region’s second-best teams. "Afghanistan are a good side. They recently beat Pakistan but Pakistan won the final. I’m fascinated by the number of mystery spinners they are unearthing. They can even beat India on their day. Pakistan and Afghanistan are right now equal; they are both No. 2," Akram observed.
Yet, Akram didn’t shy away from critiquing Pakistan’s cricket administration. He lamented the lack of consistency and unity at the top, noting that frequent changes in leadership undermine the team’s progress. "The problem with Pakistan is there is no consistency in administration as well. The chairman is there for four years, but once he is gone, he is not allowed to enter the office. So we have to be organized—there is only one game left in Pakistan that unites us all and we have to focus on that as a nation," he said. His message was clear: for Pakistan to compete at the highest level, off-field stability is as crucial as on-field talent.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup, Akram is cautiously optimistic about Pakistan’s chances. He predicts the young side might win six or seven games, emphasizing that "it’s the intent that matters. They should not be playing for their averages; all that they should worry about is strike-rate. Yes, there will be the odd occasion they will get bowled out for 80, but eventually, they’ll get there." The underlying message is one of patience and faith in the process—a sentiment that resonates with many fans eager for a turnaround.
So, as the cricketing world turns its eyes to Dubai, the stakes couldn’t be higher. India enters the contest with a golden generation, brimming with confidence and depth, while Pakistan seeks to harness the energy of youth and the lessons of hard-earned experience. The clash isn’t just about runs and wickets; it’s about philosophy, management, and the never-ending quest for cricketing excellence.
With the Asia Cup match just hours away, both teams will look to prove their mettle—not just to each other, but to the millions watching around the globe. As Wasim Akram advised, perhaps the best approach for the players is to "just relax and enjoy the atmosphere." After all, when India and Pakistan meet, the world always stops to watch. The action is set to unfold, and cricket fans everywhere are in for a treat.
