Speaking to gathered media in Lahore, former Pakistani Great Abdul Qadir expressed strong views on the subject of cricketing ties between Pakistan and India, urging the PCB, BCCI and the ICC to provide support for resumption of cricketing ties for the benefit of both nations

By Amir Husain (19th June, 2012)

 

Whilst many Pakistani supporters may want to forget the events of Mohali in March 2011 or March 2012 as a day of considerable pain, the fact remains that the World Cup semi final and the Asia Cup match were both great reminders of the intensity of one of the oldest rivalries in International cricket. India and Pakistan have had fundamental differences in their positions on geo-political issues however slowly but surely, there is a strong consensus emerging from both sides of the border for the resumption of cricketing ties between the two cricket power houses of Asia.

In a recent interview with PakPassion.net, the Chairman of PCB Mr. Zaka Ashraf had expressed some positive sentiments on the back of his visit to India to watch the IPL Final where he met the BCCI Chief N Srinivasan, he stated that “I went to India after being invited by the BCCI and I believe there are good chances of India and Pakistan resuming cricketing ties in the near future. I think relations have improved and the meetings and discussions with BCCI chief N Srinivasan were very fruitful and useful. Mr Srinivasan’s hospitality was very good when I was in India and the way they gave me respect was very much appreciated”.

With moves towards resumption of bilateral cricketing ties gathering momentum, legendary Leg Spinner Abdul Qadir has also added his voice to this cause. Speaking to media in Lahore, Qadir expressed strong views on this subject urging the PCB, BCCI and the ICC to provide support for the resumption of cricketing ties for the benefit of both nations.

“This is a great time to move ahead with India Pakistan cricketing relations based upon the response to Mr. Zaka Ashrafs recent visit to India. Additionally, MS Dhoni has also made strong statements in favour of the resumption of cricketing ties where he has clearly stated that Pakistan and India should meet in a cricket series.”

Qadir added “I really feel that the Pakistan Government should also attach importance to this series and provide its full support. Just like the Ashes, Pakistan Vs India is also an iconic series which needs to be reinstated with the help of both boards and the ICC and should also find a ready partner in the media.”

Abdul Qadir also stressed the positive role that the Media could play in shaping public opinion which was an essential pre-requisite for resumption of ties which would ultimately benefit the people and players of both nations, stating that “In my view, the media should do its utmost to highlight the importance of this series and give importance to statements such as those made by Captain of India. It doesn’t matter if the series is played in India, Pakistan or a third country. Resumption of ties between Pakistan and India is also very beneficial for individual players as both sets of players can play in each other’s countries – this kind of exchange is important for the future of cricket in the region.”