'It cannot be housefull after war': Shoaib Akhtar's colossal claim on India vs Pakistan Asia Cup clash

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are set to take on Pakistan in the Group A match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday, September 14. Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar dismissed rumors of unsold tickets, stating that emotions are running high after the political tensions between the two nations.

The clash between India and Pakistan has seen a dip in excitement following the Pahalgam terror attack. There have been calls across the country to boycott the match. The BCCI is under criticism for deciding to proceed with the Asia Cup fixture. Low ticket sales have added to the low interest surrounding the game.

Someone Said to Me That the Tickets Are Unsold - Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar dismissed concerns about low attendance for the upcoming India-Pakistan clash. He stated that the stadium will be full despite rumors of unsold tickets. Akhtar said that it will attract a packed crowd as the first meeting post Operation Sindoor.

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"Emotions are running very high. Now we [Pakistan] are meeting India for the first time post-war. Think about it — it cannot not be houseful. Someone said to me that the tickets are unsold. I said, 'What are you saying?' Everything is sold; these are all the external talks," Shoaib Akhtar was quoted as saying on PTV Sports.

Tensions Rise in India After Asia Cup 2025 Schedule Announcement

There have been tensions in India following the announcement of the Asia Cup 2025 schedule. Fans criticized the BCCI on social media for agreeing to play against Pakistan despite the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, which claimed 26 lives.

India launched Operation Sindoor against terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Many expected the Indian team to take a firm stance and avoid facing Pakistan even in multi-lateral events, but the government issued a policy permitting such encounters.

India are set to face Pakistan in the group stage, and the two teams could potentially meet again in the Super 4s and the final if both progress.

India and Pakistan Begin Their Asia Cup 2025 Campaigns With Wins

India and Pakistan began their Asia Cup 2025 campaigns with wins. Pakistan defeated Oman by 93 runs in their first match. Mohammad Haris scored 66 runs, and spinners dismantled the Oman attack. They bowled Oman out for 67 in 16.4 overs.

Chasing 58 runs against the UAE, India scored 60/1 in just 4.3 overs. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill provided a flying start with the bat. Kuldeep Yadav (4/7) and Shivam Dube (3/4) dismantled the UAE batting lineup.

Earlier, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav faced social media criticism for shaking hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi during the official press conference.

Ticket sales for the high-profile encounter have been slow, with many seats still available. One major factor is the high pricing: VIP Suite East seats cost ₹2.5 lakh for two, Royal Box ₹2.3 lakh, Sky Box ₹1.6 lakh, Platinum tickets ₹75,659, and even the cheapest option is around ₹10,000 for a pair.

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