Pakistan’s Twenty20 skipper Shahid Afridi fully endorsed any resumption of cricket ties with India, saying the show must go on, irrespective of politics.
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Asked about the Pakistan players’ reaction to a possible series between the arch-rivals in Sri Lanka next month, Afridi replied: “Wherever or whenever, cricket should go on because it develops good relations and fans from both sides want to watch such games,” he said on Wednesday.
“It should be separate from politics, both teams should always be ready.”
Top Pakistan and Indian cricket officials met in Dubai on Sunday, agreeing to play a short limited over series after getting permission from their respective governments.
India had stalled bilateral cricket with their neighbours in the aftermath of 2008 terrorists’ attacks on Mumbai, which were blamed on militants based in Pakistan. But both boards agreed to play six series between 2015-2023 under an agreement signed last year, the first of which was scheduled for December-January.
However the series, comprising two Tests, five one-day and two Twenty20, ran into trouble over strained relations between the two countries since the beginning of this year.
Geoffrey Boycott “it’s not good for cricket, India & Pakistan are not playing against each other & series are so few & far between” #Cricket
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) November 22, 2015
Afridi, who toured India in 1997, 1999, 2005, 2007 and 2011, said people in both countries want to watch the game. Afridi said Pakistanis will be delighted if India tour their country.
“It will be a matter of great happiness if India comes to Pakistan in this difficult time, support Pakistan and play there,” he said.
Pakistan have not staged international cricket, other than a short limited overs series against Zimbabwe this year, since terrorists attacks on a Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.
