'Hate that it doesn’t happen anymore'- Usman Khawaja wants India-Pakistan matches to restart

Australia batter Usman Khawaja has said that he misses seeing India vs Pakistan bilateral matches. Owing to the political tension between the two nations, the opponents face each other only during ICC events. The last time these two teams met in a bilateral series was way back in 2012-13, when the Men in Green had toured India for a three-match ODI series.

But there is hope and optimism among fans that soon the bilateral matches between India and Pakistan will be played. Recently, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) elected their new chairman, with Ramiz Raja replacing Ehsan Mani. Former Pakistan’s captain’s vast experience coupled with his easy-going nature among India and Pakistani players is one of the added advantages. Although, there are no recent developments as of yet that when the bilateral matches will resume.

Khawaja, who lived in Pakistan for more than a decade, said that his parents used to be excited about the two teams facing off each other. The southpaw also hates the fact that there are no more Indo-Pak matches to look forward to apart from the World Cups.

“The thing I miss most about international cricket and I know growing up watching my parents watch with, my dad watching cricket, it’s the India vs Pakistan matches. I absolutely hate the fact that it doesn’t happen anymore. I think it’s the biggest thing that cricket is missing and it’ll be such an amazing thing if we can get those two countries to play again,” Usman Khawaja said on his YouTube channel.

Have discussed the matter with ICC and CA: Usman Khawaja

The Australian batter further revealed that he has discussed India and Pakistan bilateral matches to resume soon with International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket Australia (CA). Khawaja feels the matches between these two teams can bring people a bit closer.

“It’s something I’ve been pushing with the ICC. I’ve had chats with the people at the ICC about this. I’ve had chats with Cricket Australia about this. I think it’s the one thing that can bring the two countries together.”

India and Pakistan will face off against each other in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup on October 24. India have not lost a match on five occasions to their opponents in the T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2016.