Shoaib Akhtar believes this generation is missing out on the beauty of the India-Pakistan rivalry
There has been much speculation about the India-Pakistan series whether it will occur or not. Both sets of fans are very disappointed by the lack of matches between the two arch-rivals. The last time these two neighboring nations faced each other in a bilateral series was in 2012 when Pakistan came to India, since then they have only encountered in different tournaments.
The political tension between the two nations is one major issue for which the spectators and the players are missing out on an opportunity to participate in this grand saga.
Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar is latest among the cricketers of the two countries, who voiced his opinion on this matter. Rawalpindi Express said that since there's not much cricket happening between the two archrivals, the current generation is missing out on this unique rivalry.
He said, "It's very depressing that there's not been much cricket between India and Pakistan, not as much as it should ideally be. I've always felt that every now and then we should find an opportunity to play each other.”
This generation is missing out on the beauty of that rivalry
When asked about the impact of this rivalry, he said, “Generations of cricketers from both countries have experienced this rivalry, the pressure that comes with it, and have matured as cricketers. This generation is missing out on the beauty of that rivalry,"
Akhtar retired from international cricket in 2011 but still holds the record for being world’s fastest bowler, further added that he was eagerly looking forward to the Asia Cup where fans will get to see the much-awaited clash between this two neighboring countries.
India will face Pakistan on February 27 in Asia Cup and then on March 19 in the ICC World T20.
The 40-year-old cricketer is also keeping an eye on the World T20 clash as Pakistan have never beaten India in a World Cup match and lost the inaugural World T20 finals at Johannesburg in 2007. He said, “And of course, there's the World T20 game to look forward to.”
A youngster like Mohammed Amir could learn so much bowling to this Indian top-order
Speaking about the tainted Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir, who made a comeback into international cricket after serving a 5-year ban for spot-fixing, he said the likes of Amir will be benefited after bowling against the Indian batsmen.
He said, "A youngster like Mohammed Amir could learn so much bowling to this Indian top-order. In fact, that's something I'm really looking forward to when the Asia Cup begins.”
India has not played a bilateral Test series against Pakistan since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.