Misbah-ul-Haq wants India and Pakistan to play against each other regularly putting aside political relations
Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-Ul-Haq has called for the resumption of cricket ties between his country and India, The Tribune reports. The 43-year-old also added that cricketing ties between the arch rivals should not be dependent upon the political state of affairs.
"I believe that Pakistan and India should be playing against each other in bilateral series regularly and playing cricket should not be linked to the overall political relations between the two nations," he said.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two cricket boards in 2014, the neighbouring nations are set to do battle in five bilateral series over the next eight years. The first of those series is scheduled to take place in December with Pakistan ready to host India in the UAE in the tour which will comprise of three Tests, five ODIs and two T20s.
However, following the Gurdaspur terrorist attack on July 27, the BCCI had indicated that the series might be called off as the political condition is still not stable between the neighbours. Misbah though feels the series should go ahead as scheduled.
"I am all for Pakistan and India resuming bilateral ties this year and it is good for the sport in both countries and players," he said.
Misbah has previously hinted that the series could be his final one as a player.
"I know very well that there is not much cricket left in me. Yes, I want to play a few more Test matches as I look forward to life beyond cricket. But there is a plan. If the series against India happens, I want to play that series and probably retire from international cricket. So India series can be my last one," Misbah said, as reported by IBTimes.
Wasim Akram and Inzamam-Ul-Haq also wants resumption of cricket ties
Two of Pakistan’s most legendary cricketers, Wasim Akram and Inzamam-Ul-Haq, echoed similar thoughts on the issue.
Akram, who himself survived a road-rage incident that led to gunshots being fired at the former fast bowler’s car, feels the sport can act as a bridge that can help better the relations between the two countries.
“I believe that sports and politics should be kept apart and no matter what happens on the political front between India and Pakistan, cricket should be played," he said, as reported by IBNLive. “I believe that bilateral Indo-Pak cricket ties must not stop. The cricket ties will eventually help in the bigger picture."
Inzamam also stressed the same but in an entirely different context that playing with India can help the Pakistani cricketers perform better.
“I think there is no better way for our players to improve and learn to perform under pressure than playing regularly with India," Inzamam said, as reported by IBTimes.
“Regardless of where we play we should play India on a regular basis. We have fallen behind in international cricket in the sense we are not getting tours to the big countries but the PCB now needs to organise more tours to Australia, South Africa and other top cricket nations."