Harshita
LAHORE: Former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar is quite vocal about his opinions on the game on his YouTube channel. In a recent video, Akhtar puts forward his wish that he wants to see India and Pakistan playing bilateral series.
The last time, these two countries faced each other in a bilateral series was in 2012-13 in a three-match ODI series and after that, they are only seen on the ground together in any ICC events or Asia Cups. Regarding the same, Shoab Akhtar raised his voice saying if they can compete in any such tournaments on a neutral ground then they can also play a bilateral series away from both of their home grounds.
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"We can play Davis Cup, we can play Kabaddi with each other then what’s wrong with cricket? I understand India can’t come to Pakistan, Pakistan can’t go to India but we play Asia Cup, Champions Trophy on neutral venues, can’t we do the same for bilateral series?" Akhtar raised the question.
He then added praise for his country saying, "We are one of the best hospitable nations in the world and India have seen it first hands. Ask the likes of Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar we love them like anything. Cricket should not get affected by the differences between us. Hopefully, India and Pakistan can play a bilateral series soon and it’s important for both countries to have a tough competition between them."
"Pakistan is a very safe place to travel. India’s Kabaddi team came, they got a lot of love, Bangladesh came to play Test cricket. But if there are still doubts then I suggest neutral venues," said the Rawalpindi Express making a suggestion.
He again asked why the countries show rivalry only in the case of Cricket. Both the nations play Kabaddi, eat tomatoes and onions so why to make everything political when it comes to this specific game.
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He then commented on the importance of bilateral series between India and Pakistan as it would be beneficial for the game and also for business as well. He said, "It’s very important for India and Pakistan to play because it earns revenue, it brings the fans, it inspires and it also keeps the healthy rivalry going. We get to see new players who can handle this pressure. I urge everyone to come forward and make India-Pakistan bilateral series possible."
