Pakistan willing to revive cricket with India: PCB chairman

Zaka Ashraf says PM Gilani also wanted to revive cricket between the two rival countries.

KARACHI: In contrast to his earlier statement of India being “afraid” of Pakistan, PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) chairman Zaka Ashraf told the media on Sunday that Pakistan is willing to revive cricket between the two rival countries.

“Prime Minister [Yousaf Raza] Gilani also called for India-Pakistan cricket matches to be restarted when he went to Mohali to watch a cricket match,” Ashraf said.

He further added that captain Misbahul Haq had requested that former captain Shoaib Malik be added in the One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 squad.

Misbah wished for the addition of Malik, keeping in view the ground realities and the pitch condition, hoping that his bowling would be helpful for the team, said Ashraf.

“Whatever is good for the team and for the country will be done, on the proposal of the [team] selectors,” he said.

He added that international cricket will soon return to Pakistan, as the Bangladesh team is also coming to Pakistan in April. “The interior ministry has promised to provide them with adequate security,” he added.