Shoaib Akhtar accuses India, Pakistan's top authorities of 'politicizing' cricket unfairly

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has called for resumption of bilateral cricketing ties between India and Pakistan. Shoaib Akhtar was vocal in criticizing stakeholders for  long gap between an India and Pakistan bilateral series. last time both teams came toger to play a bilateral series was way back in 2012-13 when Pakistan travelled to India for a three-match ODI series. That series had also taken place after a gap of 5 years. India and Pakistan haven't played a Test match since 2007. However, both teams have been facing each or regularly in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.

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Shoaib Akhtar bats for India-Pakistan bilateral series

While speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Shoaib Akhtar questioned that since India and Pakistan can play in tournaments such as Davis Cup and in kabaddi with each or for example, n cricket being singled out is t fair. While Akhtar conceded that while both countries are t keen on visiting each or due to ir own reasons, multilateral tournaments such as Asia Cup, Champions Trophy and World Cup do have India-Pakistan matches on neutral venues. former Pakistan pacer advocated that same could also be done for bilateral series between two countries.

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Shoaib Akhtar furr said that Pakistan are one of most hospitable nations in world and India have seen it first hand. He added that likes of Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar have seen hospitality and Pakistanis love m like anything. Cricket should t get affected by differences between two nations, according to Akhtar. He was hopeful that India and Pakistan can play a bilateral series soon and it’s important for both countries to have a tough competition between m.

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Shoaib Akhtar went on to say state that all ties should be cut off if India and Pakistan cant play bilateral cricket. He questioned thought behind Indian and Pakistani top leaders wanting to continue trade relations between m but t cricketing ones. Commenting on importance of India-Pakistan bilateral series, Akhtar said it is better for cricket and also for business. He said that it’s very important for India and Pakistan to play because it earns revenue, it brings fans to ground or to television, it inspires many and it also keeps healthy rivalry going.

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IM COURTESY: SHOAIB AKHTAR TWITTER