Akram said: ``I would ask all fans to co-operate. I don't believe there will be any trouble. I think the fans will take it in the right spirit by enjoying the occasion.''

``It's only a game, after all,'' he said in today's Evening Standard newspaper.

The two sides have traditionally been arch-rivals. Recent military clashes on the Kashmir border have raised tensions further before the game.

British Asian fans are among the most passionate followers of cricket. The north-western city of Manchester, where the game is being staged, had significant populations of Indians and Pakistanis.

World Cup organisers are refusing to divulge details of special security measures being prepared for the Super Six second-round encounter.

But talks have been going on with police to make sure players are givenbetter protection during pitch invasions at the end of games.

Akram added: ``I have spoken to people at Old Trafford about the security arrangements and they've told me everything is in place.''

``We have played India in different tournaments recently without any problems between fans and I've no reason to believe it will be any different this time.''

His opposite number, Mohammad Azharuddin, has already tried to defuse emotions by stressing that the players from both sides get on well.

The Indian captain, however, has been among the leading critics of ``inadequate'' security arrangements at the World Cup. Australia's Steve Waugh has also complained that players could be subject to assaults after some were jostled and abused by rowdy supporters.