Wasim Akram has claimed that India's decision to withdrawn from the Asian Test Championship owed less to political issues than to their fear of being beaten by their fierce rivals. Speaking to AFP, Akram said, "I think they are scared of losing against us."

He explained that he had captained Pakistan on their tour of India in 1999 which took place against a backdrop of similar political tension. Despite a number of protests, the series was a great success. "Pakistan has always been positive about playing India," he said

"I don't know why they are so scared of playing us."

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