Wasim Akram recalls helping Irfan Pathan, urges India-Pakistan fans to move past rivalry

Pakistan great Wasim Akram has urged fans on both sides of the India-Pakistan divide to treat cricket matches as just a game, not an extension of historical or political tensions. He made the comments while recalling his early career advice to former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Akram, speaking on the 1 Mint podcast, said he gave Pathan tips during their first meeting in Australia in 2004, focusing on mindset and tactics rather than technique. He joked that Pathan, a former fan, now regularly posts anti-Pakistan comments on social media, but stressed that fans on both sides are equally quick to respond. Pathan took 67 wickets against Pakistan in 36 internationals, including a Test hat-trick in Karachi in 2006. Akram said the rivalry should end with the final whistle, adding that "somebody has to win, somebody has to lose, and move on to the next one."