News Analysis |
Former Pakistani skipper and legendary fast-bowler, Wasim Akram has lashed out at the International Cricket Council(ICC) for not exerting its influence on the Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) for not playing bilateral series with Pakistan.He was speaking at the Sharjah International Book Fair.
Known as one of the greatest to have played the game, Wasim said Indo-Pak matches attract much audience than the famous Ashes Series between Australia and England.
Akram, who has been a part of many riveting Indo-Pak contests, laments the fact that both countries play way too infrequently.
“I don’t think ICC has the guts to pursue BCCI,” said Akram as quoted by Gulf News. “I have always said sports should be kept away from politics. The interest, passion, and pressure of a match played between the two South Asian rivals are unparalleled. Such kind of pressure is not felt even during the Ashes.”
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Akram, who has been a part of many riveting Indo-Pak contests, laments the fact that both countries play way too infrequently. The last time India toured Pakistan for a bilateral series way back in 2006.
Akram, known as the “Sultan of Swing” said that it is saddening to see the young generation deprived of the thrill of Indo-Pak matches. He said:”It is very sad for the young generation of both the countries to have been deprived of such an entertainment.”
Pakistan is currently fighting a case against India in the ICC’s dispute resolution committee, demanding damages for latter’s continual refusal to honor the MoU signed with it to play bilateral series.
Akram is one of those who is often chastised for advocating cricket when ties are at an all-time low. However, he has always maintained that cricket binds both nations together.
Cricket experts feel that Indo-Pak clashes have lost their erstwhile charm, mainly because of the absence of real superstars like Wasim Akram.
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Amidst wars and conflicts, the term “cricket diplomacy” was brought in the South Asian diplomatic parlance. Generals Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf visited India for watching cricket matches in their respective tenures. However, nothing tangible was achieved on both occasions. The then premier, Yousaf Raza Gilani graced the Semi final of the ICC World Cup 2011 between Pakistan and India in Mohali, India. Despite assurances, neither cricketing nor overall ties improved.
Cricket experts feel that Indo-Pak clashes have lost their erstwhile charm, mainly because of the absence of real superstars like Wasim Akram. The cricketing interaction between both countries has now been limited to scant matches in ICC and other multi-team events. Pakistan thumped India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in June this year.
It is highly unlikely that both will face off each other in bilateral series in the near future.