Zaheer Abbas says right time to resume India-Pakistan cricket

Zaheer Abbas says right time to resume India-Pakistan cricket: International Cricket Council (ICC) president Zaheer Abbas said on Tuesday that it is the right time to resume cricketing ties between India and Pakistan because the whole world is eager to see the two sub-continental giants battle it out.

Abbas was quoted saying, “The whole world wants India and Pakistan to play. I hope the time will come and we will start playing cricket. Whole world is looking for the Indo-Pak series, no doubt about it,”

“It’s not just Pakistan wants to play India. India should also want to play against Pakistan. And if they play, this is the right time to start. As CEO Dave (Richardson) said, everybody is looking forward to seeing India-Pakistan play. People want to see Indo-Pak first, Ashes second,” Abbas added.

He said he was willing to help in whatever manner he can to resume cricketing ties between the two neighbours. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week requested Abbas to wield his power as the ICC president to pressurize the Indian board to confirm the series in December.

Abbas also hoped that the BCCI would talk to the PCB to finalise the series proposed to be held in the United Arab Emirates.

“When I played cricket for my country in ’69-70, I played against India after 18 years. So I hope it will start soon,” he added.