India will play Pakistan this year: Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistani pacer express his views about the Pakistan-India bilateral series

Former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar, in a recent interview, expressed his views about the Pakistan-India bilateral series, which is due to take place next month. However, there is no clearity about the series as of yet, amid increase in tensions between the two neighbours.

"There have been ups and down in relations between India and Pakistan. It has been a roller-coaster," Akhtar told PTI here.



"Eventually, we will come to the point where we will sit together, put our hands together and work things out.

"Hopefully, this series will happen. I am sure Pakistan and India will play this year," he said

Former right-arm fast bowler urges authorities from both sides to sit together and improve their ties.

"I feel that the two great nations sit together, circumstances and situations improve and the next 70 years should be prosperous than how it has been so far," he added.

The Rawalpindi Express said cricket fans from both countries have great respect for players from opposition, and just like he has a massive fan following in India, Sachin and other players have a similar fan following in Pakistan.



"They are not just Indians' heroes, but they are a Pakistani's heroes also. There is so much adulation for both nations," he said.

Earlier, Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar also urge governments from both side to use cricket as a tool for better ties between the two neighbours.

"Also I think that the relations (between India and Pakistan) need to improve. If the governments feel that this (cricket) is the ideal way to move forward and the (cricket) Boards (feel so), I do not see any reason why we should not play," Tendulakr had said.

The article originally appeared on One India