India vs Pakistan games can improve the current state of Test cricket admits Aaqib Javed

The India-Pakistan rivalry is one of the most intense and hard fought battles on the cricket field. And when the battle switches to the longest format of the sport, it becomes more entertaining and a delight to watch. Former Pakistan bowler Aaqib Javed believes that matches between India and Pakistan can help in improving the current state of Test cricket. Majorly people have started to lose interest and patience which perhaps the longer format is thriving for the past few years.

The last time the arch rivals met each other in the longest format was in 2007 in a 3-match Test series. The Indians went on to clinch a series victory 1-0, winning the first Test, while the second and third ended in a draw. Javed, who is currently the director of cricket operations for Durban Qalandars in the T20 Global League in South Africa, feels games between the arch-rivals can help in lifting the present derailed standards of Test cricket. The cricketer also stated that Indian board’s officials should think about the issue at the earliest.

“There is traditional rivalry between the two countries when it comes to cricket. Matches between India and Pakistan, along with Ashes can lift Test cricket. The governments should keep sport aside of political tension and let fans relish top-class cricket. Imagine how big the next India and Pakistan match would be after the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final. The ICC should look into this and push the Indian Board to show some relaxation,” said Aaqib in a conversation, with Hindustan Times.

Would love to buy Virat Kohli

Presently there is a draft going on for South Africa’s new Global T20 League, in which many of the big T20 names are up for grabs. However, it’s still not clear if Indian players would be allowed by the BCCI to participate in the tournament. But still, many team owners revealed their views on the eagerness to have Indian players participate in the league.

“I would have loved to buy Virat for my team. I feel eventually the Indian Board will allow its players to play in foreign leagues. It won’t be like this,” said Fawad Rana, owner of Durban Qalandars franchise.

“Unfortunately, India and Pakistan cricketers won’t be playing against each other in the Global League and it would be left to Pakistan owners versus Indian owners. Shah Rukh has roots in Peshawar. People are looking forward to see his team take on Benoni Zalmi. After the success of the Pakistan Super League, there is a buzz regarding the Global T20 League,” said Javed Afridi, who is the owner of Benoni Zalmi franchise.

Cricket is welcomed in Pakistan

The cricket fever is finally returning to Pakistan next month for a 3-match T20I series between World XI team and the Pakistan national team. Aaqib welcomed the sport back to the lovely nation and also hoped it would open the doors for an intense battle between India and Pakistan on the cricket field yet again.

“It is wonderful to see international cricket return to Pakistan after a long hiatus. It was a brilliant effort from the Sri Lankan and West Indies Boards in making it happen again. The World XI vs Pakistan T20 games next month will open the door for more matches. Imagine if India visited Pakistan or Pakistan went to India for a Test Series, it would be legendary. It is sad that sport is dragged into political issues,” said Aaqib.