Islamabad, Sept 18: Heroes of Pakistan's inaugural cricket tour of India more than 50 years ago have called for the resumption of regular matches to help ease tensions between the two neighbours. Political differences have plagued fixtures since the two cricket-mad countries first faced each other in 1952-1953 following partition in 1947.
But surviving members of Pakistan's 18-man touring squad, who were honoured for their efforts by Pakistan's President this week, said they wanted to see regular series resume.
India has not toured Pakistan since 1989-90 although Pakistan played in India four years ago.
"The level of excitement is too high, it's spell-binding when Pakistan and India play and it is my wish to see India play Pakistan again," said Hanif Mohammad, Pakistan's opener on the 1952-1953 tour which India won 2-1.
Fazal Mahmood, who took 12 wickets in Pakistan's first ever victory over India on the tour, said matches could help heal the rift between the two nations.
"People in both the countries are mad over cricket and if cricket is resumed we would be more close to each other and bloodshed would be avoided," said Fazal, who took 139 wickets in 34 tests.
Bureau Report