Wasim Akram Dreams of Pakistan vs India Test Series Return After 18 Years

For decades, cricket fans around the world have witnessed thrilling battles between Pakistan and India in one-day internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 matches. These encounters often deliver unforgettable moments and high drama. However, one format has been missing from this legendary rivalry for nearly twenty years—Test cricket, the longest and purest form of the game. A full Test series between the two sides has not taken place since 2007, leaving a gap that many fans and former players deeply regret.

Recently, legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram shared his thoughts on the issue, expressing hope that a solution can be found. According to him, it is still his dream to see Pakistan and India face each other again in a proper Test series. Akram’s words carry weight not just because of his status in cricket but also because they reflect the feelings of millions of fans who want to see the old magic return.

The last time the two nations played a Test series was in 2007. After that, political tensions and strained relations froze bilateral cricketing ties. Since then, Pakistan and India have only met in ICC tournaments like the World Cup and in regional events such as the Asia Cup. While those matches are fiercely contested and often nail-biting, they cannot fully replace the charm, patience, and drama of a five-day Test match—something Akram strongly believes cricket still needs.

Speaking during an appearance on the Stick To Cricket podcast, Akram said: “I hope to see a Test series between India and Pakistan in my lifetime.” His simple yet powerful statement echoes the emotions of countless cricket lovers across both countries and beyond. For many, an India-Pakistan Test was not just a match but a historic event—stadiums were packed, television ratings broke records, and fans around the globe tuned in to watch.

The absence of Test cricket between the two sides has been a hot topic of debate for years. Several former cricketers, from both India and Pakistan, have repeatedly voiced their opinions, urging boards and governments to find common ground.

While Akram acknowledged that political relations remain complicated, he highlighted the importance of cricket as a bridge of peace and unity. He urged fans to keep their passion alive but also maintain respect. “They are patriotic about their country; we are patriotic about ours. Let’s not go below the belt. Talk about the triumphs of your country; the same goes for Pakistan and the same goes for India,” he explained, reminding supporters that sport should inspire healthy competition rather than hostility.

His comments come at a time when excitement is already building for the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled in the UAE. Pakistan and India are set to clash in the group stage on September 14, and as always, political debates and media hype have surrounded the fixture. Yet, Akram insisted that despite outside noise, “the game must go on.”

Looking at the bigger picture, many experts believe that a Pakistan–India Test series would not only reignite cricket’s greatest rivalry but also give a major boost to the World Test Championship. Test cricket has been struggling in recent years to capture the imagination of younger fans, and nothing could attract global attention quite like a five-day showdown between these two cricketing giants.

For now, fans will turn their eyes to the Asia Cup for the next chapter of this intense rivalry. But Wasim Akram’s heartfelt wish is a reminder of what the cricketing world has been missing. A Pakistan–India Test match is not just a game—it is a spectacle, a drama, and a cultural event. Until the day it returns, fans will continue to dream of the moment when the two sides once again walk out in whites to battle in the game’s ultimate format.

READ MORE: Rizwan to Play Full CPL Season After Missing Pakistan Asia Cup Squad