Former Pakistan players happy with resumption of cricketing ties with India

Many former Pakistan cricketers have expressed delighted over BCCI’s decision to resume cricketing ties between the arch-rivals. The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Monday announced that the two countries will play three One Day Internationals (ODIs)
and a couple of T20 matches in December-January.

The two teams last faced each other in a complete bilateral series in 2007-2008. While Sunil Gavaskar, former Indian captain, raised concerns over BCCI’s move, the former Pakistani players are delighted with the step.

Zaheer Abbas said that the resumption of ties will bring the two countries close, and the people would forget about other problems. He also stated that the two sides should play a series almost every year.

“The news that they would be playing now in December has made me very happy. People in Pakistan are very happy. The best way to forget all our problems is to play and watch sports. They are all eagerly waiting for the contest," said Abbas.

"India have become a great cricketing power while Pakistan at the moment are not playing at home. Our team is not as strong as it used to be but India brings out the best out of us," he added.

Aamer Sohail was equally delighted over this news. He explained that it is good to see that ice has melted between the two boards, saying that it is going to be an entertaining clash.

"I am very excited about it. It is great news that the ice between the two boards has melted. The emotions run high for the players in an Indo-Pak game. The 2011 World Cup semifinal was a one-off game. Now, the players will be geared up for the challenge,"
he stated.

Pakistan last played against India in Asia Cup, in which the Men in Blue grabbed an easy victory. The ICC World Cup 2011 semi-final was a big game between the traditional rivals, which was eventually won by the Indians.

Another former captain Javed Miandad expressed excitement over BCCI’s invitation. Praising Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Zaka Ashraf, he stated:

"I am really happy because I know for a fact that the PCB Chairman has been making hectic efforts to convince India to play a bilateral series. I am happy this is happening and it will be great for India and Pakistan but also for world cricket."

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Posted by Rana Nasir Ghafoor on Jul 17 2012. Filed under Pakistan, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry