Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik has asked MS Dhoni's India to develop a 'positive' approach towards touring his country.
"In the past also there have been diplomatic tensions between the two countries. There have been times when both countries have amassed their troops on the border but cricket has always played its role in reducing tensions," he opined.
Malik recalled how former Pakistan President Zia-ul-Haq had paid a visit to India to watch a cricket match when relations were not smooth between the two countries, which later helped in easing the tension.
"There is a history of cricket playing a positive role in improving relations between the two countries and their people. That is why I am again insisting it is imperative India have a positive approach to touring Pakistan in January," he said.
Malik was of the view that severing cricket ties will act against improving the relation between the two nations, which in-turn will encourage the terrorist outfits.
"I don't know who is behind these terrorist attacks in India and Pakistan but I know this much severing cricket ties will only further spoil the atmosphere and relations and encourage the elements behind these attacks," he said.
Malik said Pakistan had toured India in 1999 when extremist elements had threatened their players.
"But the tour went ahead and it eventually helped reduce tensions between the two nations and the people. India must also show the same spirit," he said.
He said when India toured Pakistan in 2004 it ushered in a new era of trust and friendship between the people of both the nation and the government level peace process. Malik admitted that Pakistani players were demoralised and frustrated with the lack of opportunities to play international cricket.
"We are professionals but it is hard to get through such a period. To improve as a team we need to play maximum international matches. That is also why the Indian series is so significant for us." The former Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Tauqir Zia also highlighted the importance of the series and said, "I say even if India does not want to tour Pakistan we must play them at neutral venues. But this series must be held or else it will send out a wrong message." Zia said if India wanted to improve their relation with Pakistan, the Test series should take place as per schedule.
"Cricket has always played a big role in the sub-continent and in improving relations between the two countries." Zia said he would even call on the Asian bloc to unite and make efforts to play against each other regularly and convince other countries also to tour India and Pakistan regularly.
"In the past also there have been diplomatic tensions between the two countries. There have been times when both countries have amassed their troops on the border but cricket has always played its role in reducing tensions," he opined.
Malik recalled how former Pakistan President Zia-ul-Haq had paid a visit to India to watch a cricket match when relations were not smooth between the two countries, which later helped in easing the tension.
"There is a history of cricket playing a positive role in improving relations between the two countries and their people. That is why I am again insisting it is imperative India have a positive approach to touring Pakistan in January," he said.
Malik was of the view that severing cricket ties will act against improving the relation between the two nations, which in-turn will encourage the terrorist outfits.
"I don't know who is behind these terrorist attacks in India and Pakistan but I know this much severing cricket ties will only further spoil the atmosphere and relations and encourage the elements behind these attacks," he said.
Malik said Pakistan had toured India in 1999 when extremist elements had threatened their players.
"But the tour went ahead and it eventually helped reduce tensions between the two nations and the people. India must also show the same spirit," he said.
He said when India toured Pakistan in 2004 it ushered in a new era of trust and friendship between the people of both the nation and the government level peace process. Malik admitted that Pakistani players were demoralised and frustrated with the lack of opportunities to play international cricket.
"We are professionals but it is hard to get through such a period. To improve as a team we need to play maximum international matches. That is also why the Indian series is so significant for us." The former Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Tauqir Zia also highlighted the importance of the series and said, "I say even if India does not want to tour Pakistan we must play them at neutral venues. But this series must be held or else it will send out a wrong message." Zia said if India wanted to improve their relation with Pakistan, the Test series should take place as per schedule.
"Cricket has always played a big role in the sub-continent and in improving relations between the two countries." Zia said he would even call on the Asian bloc to unite and make efforts to play against each other regularly and convince other countries also to tour India and Pakistan regularly.
