I remain optimistic about India-Pakistan series: Waqar Younis

Waqar also spoke about PSL, Saeed Ajmal and the tainted trio

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis is still optimistic about a bilateral series with India in December, saying that regular cricket between the two nations can reduce tensions between them.

"I remain optimistic that this series will take place because I firmly believe that playing regular bilateral series can help reduce the tensions in the relations between the two countries," said Waqar, reported Press Trust of India.

The former fast bowler said it was unfortunate for both teams that they had not played a Test match against each other since 2007. "More than anything the fact that we have not played a Test in the last eight years is really disappointing," he said.

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"The present situation between both countries means the coming series is in danger but I remain hopeful that eventually the series will happen in December," said Waqar.

"If the series doesn't take place it would be most unfortunate for cricket on a whole because everyone wants to watch an Indo-Pak match," he added.

Further, Waqar said, "But I think this is the best chance now for both countries to resume bilateral cricket matches."

Waqar also offered his services as coach for the Pakistan Super League in Doha in February, insisting that the cricket board must aim to give maximum exposure to under-19 and under-23 players in the league.

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"Definitely the board should try to bring in the big names in world cricket from overseas but at same time PSL is a great opportunity to give exposure to our young players in a big arena," said Waqar.

"Such leagues have been held in other countries and they have benefitted from these events. We have seen how the Indian premier league has given India so much new talent so it is not just about players becoming financially strong but also about new players getting the required exposure at top level," he said.

The Pakistan coach returned to Lahore this week after taking some time off cricket by spending time with his family in Sydney.

Waqar also expressed his sympathies regarding Saeed Ajmal’s struggle with his new action and the uncertainty surrounding the experienced player’s inclusion in the upcoming international assignments.

"It has been difficult for him after remodelling his bowling action and I think it will take some more time before he is effective again with his new action," said Waqar.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has continued to repose confidence in Ajmal by including him in the recently announced central contracts list, despite the off-spinner having played just a handful games for Pakistan since his bowling action was declared illegal by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in September 2014.

Waqar believes that Ajmal could make a return if he regained his form. The coach also talked about the One-day series scheduled against Zimbabwe, saying that it would be good preparation for the England-Pakistan series to be played in October.

"We are not going to take Zimbabwe lightly they are a fighting unit but for us the main focus is on the England series since they have just won the Ashes and have some good players," he said.

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When questioned about the expiry of spot fixing bans on Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Amir, Waqar said it was not his place to remark on the issue.

"Their bans have just been lifted and I have not had any chance of talking to any board official about this. Maybe after a week or two I would be in a better position to comment on this," he said.

This article originally appeared on NDTV.