Top Indian players would not visit Pakistan: Sunil Gavaskar
Batting legend says players still not sure of the security after the 2009 attack on Sri Lankan team
A file photo of Sunil Gavaskar. PHOTO: FILE
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar said that top Indian players would reject the idea of visiting Pakistan for a tour after what happened with Sri Lanka in 2009.
Gavaskar also said Zimbabwe's tour of Pakistan was a baby step towards the revival of international cricket in Pakistan.
"Whatever the country's Boards may decide, I am sure not many top Indian players would like to go there and play if they are asked today, After what happened in 2009, most players would refuse to tour the country," Gavaskar told NDTV.
Read: Pakistani fans ride wave of emotion as #CricketComesHome
When asked about how does he feel about Zimbabwe's tour of Pakistan, he said, "It will be just a baby step. There are more steps required before it can say that international cricket is back in Pakistan.
Read: Asian teams need to support us, says Shahryar Khan
The batting legend added that it will be good for the youngsters of Pakistan to see their heroes live in action.
"It is good for the young Pakistanis to see their heroes play in front of their eyes in flesh and blood in the national colours," said Gavaskar.
Read: Aggressive Mukhtar impresses in five-wicket win
The Sri Lankan cricket team attack took place in March 2009, when the bus carrying the cricketers, was fired upon by 12 gunmen, near the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The cricketers were on their way to play the third day of the second Test against Pakistan. Six members of the Sri Lanka national cricket team were injured, while six Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed.
Gavaskar also said Zimbabwe's tour of Pakistan was a baby step towards the revival of international cricket in Pakistan.
"Whatever the country's Boards may decide, I am sure not many top Indian players would like to go there and play if they are asked today, After what happened in 2009, most players would refuse to tour the country," Gavaskar told NDTV.
Read: Pakistani fans ride wave of emotion as #CricketComesHome
When asked about how does he feel about Zimbabwe's tour of Pakistan, he said, "It will be just a baby step. There are more steps required before it can say that international cricket is back in Pakistan.
Read: Asian teams need to support us, says Shahryar Khan
The batting legend added that it will be good for the youngsters of Pakistan to see their heroes live in action.
"It is good for the young Pakistanis to see their heroes play in front of their eyes in flesh and blood in the national colours," said Gavaskar.
Read: Aggressive Mukhtar impresses in five-wicket win
The Sri Lankan cricket team attack took place in March 2009, when the bus carrying the cricketers, was fired upon by 12 gunmen, near the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The cricketers were on their way to play the third day of the second Test against Pakistan. Six members of the Sri Lanka national cricket team were injured, while six Pakistani policemen and two civilians were killed.