Shoaib Akhtar hopes to bring Cricket All-Stars to Pakistan

Former Pakistan pacer says Indian batting legend Sachin was happy and expressed willingness to materialise the idea

KARACHI: Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar, who is playing with former cricketers in the Cricket All-Stars tournament to promote the game in the US, is hopeful that one day this cricket extravaganza would be held in Pakistan.

"I have had a word with Sachin Tendulkar on the possibility of the All-Stars series in Pakistan one day. Sachin was happy and expressed willingness to materialise this idea,” Shoaib told reporters at the Minute-Maid park in Houston.



"This series should go to India and Pakistan to act as a bridge between the two neighbouring countries,” commented Shoaib.

Two teams of former stars led by Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar are in the US to play three T20 matches in New York, Houstan and Los Angeles.

The first two matches and the series has been won by Warne's Warriors.

Shoaib also expressed disappointment on the stalemate between Pakistan and India over the much-awaited cricket series, adding that it's high time the two countries should engage in sporting activities.



"It’s about time that Pakistan and India should move forward and play cricket against each other, it will help in bridging the gap between the neighbours", he said.

Earlier, Shoaib also said that the series between Pakistan and India in December which is in doldrums will materlialise.

"There have been ups and down in relations between India and Pakistan. It has been a roller-coaster,” Akhtar told Press Trust of India.



“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.