'Not India, not Pakistan, cricket should win'

Razzaq, Jalaluddin believe revival of bilateral series between arch-rivals healthy for sport

KARACHI: As the International Cricket Council (ICC) appoints a three-member panel to resolve the spat between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), former Pakistani cricketers believe it could lead to the arch-rivals facing each other soon.

Former all-rounder Abdul Razzak, while talking about the panel formed to resolve the issue between two neighbouring nations’ cricket boards, told The Express Tribune that this step will help game’s fans witness the most entertaining encounters more often.

“This is a really good step taken by the ICC. Finally they have taken the initiative to resolve the issue that has been going on for quite a long time and needed attention,” said Razzaq. “They should ensure that whatever decision comes out it should be in the favour of the game and not in the favour of any nation.”

Razzaq then talked out about the Pakistan-India encounters, saying they used to attract more eyeballs than any other cricketing match in the world.

“I remember when during my playing times India used to tour or we used to travel to India, our encounters would be the best of all matches around the world. Those were the matches that used to attract the attention of the cricket fans all around the world,” he said.

The 38-year-old added that Pakistan needs the India matches more than their neighbours since “it will help them financially”.

“If these series will be revived, many other tournaments will also get benefit from it. Like the Test championship that is going to be held in coming years. If bilateral cricket isn’t restored then Test championship should be delayed as Pakistan and India are two top cricket playing nations, and without their matches any tournament is incomplete,” Razzaq further said.

Pakistan’s case stronger: Jalaluddin

Former Test cricketer Jalaluddin believes Pakistan case is stronger regarding India dishonouring the Memorandum of Understanding.

“The shifting of Asia Cup from India to the UAE has pushed India to the back foot and Pakistan should take advantage of that,” said Jalaluddin.

He further explained: “The strongest point PCB has is that when BCCI claimed that their government is not allowing them to play a series, PCB asked for a written statement in return and the Indian board did not provide one, so that will be considered during the decision making process.”

Jalaluddin was of the opinion that players from both countries are ready to play each other but politics is running the show.

“The players cannot disagree with the idea of playing against Pakistan as they enjoy the stiff competition of the matches. So we are hoping for a positive result that is in favour of the game and we all get to see good Pakistan-India matches,” he said.