Wasim Akram bats for revival of Indo-Pak cricketing ties

Islamabad: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said the invitation sent to Sialkot Stallions to play in October`s Champions League Twenty20 tournament is the first step forward for reviving of cricketing ties between the two neighbouring countries.

The cricketing ties between India and Pakistan came to a halt in 2008 following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf is in India discussing a revival of matches after watching the Indian Premier League (IPL) final. Wasim, who as bowling coach helped Kolkata Knight Riders win their maiden IPL title on Sunday, said there were signs of a melt. "I acted as an ambassador for Pakistan as everyone knows me and during my stay I have seen that people want Indo-Pak cricket to start and for me the invitation for Sialkot is the first step,` The Daily Times quoted Akram, as saying. "Pakistani players Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Umar Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez are popular in India and Indian fans have realized they can add to the charm of the league," he added. Wasim, who played 104 Tests and 352 one-day internationals for Pakistan added that India not playing Pakistan was a great setback for the millions of spectators in both countries. "I am a great advocate of Indo-Pak cricket and I hope all the issues between the two countries are solved so that millions of fans are not deprived of such entertaining cricket," Wasim added. ANI