Misbah-ul-Haq calls for revival of India-Pakistan bilateral series
‘I would like to lead the team against India in Test matches’
Karachi: Pakistan's Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has said that cricket should be kept away from politics and called for revival of bilateral series with neighbour India.
Misbah told reporters during a visit to the Punjab University in Lahore that he had always advocated for Pakistan and India to play against each other regularly. "I believe cricket and politics should not be mixed. Cricket has helped reduce tensions in the past. I think the bilateral series should be revived," Misbah said.
Uncertainty looms over the fate of the Test series planned between the two countries in December in the United Arab Emirates.
The PCB is pushing for the series to be held and has also sent a letter to the Indian board asking for a confirmation. Misbah, who has played against India in Tests way back in 2007, said he would like to take a decision on his future after playing against India and would look to go out on a high.
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"Let us hope the series is held because we would like to compete against India in Tests not just limited overs cricket. I would like to lead the team against India in Test matches," Misbah added.
Pakistan's flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi also said again that the series should take place in December. "Cricket has always played a positive role in bringing peace between the two countries," Afridi tweeted.
BCCI Should Respect the MOU signed with @TheRealPCB .Cricket has always played a positive role in bringing peace between both countries.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 19, 2015On Friday Afridi had told the PCB to stop running after the Indian board to have the series and focus on inviting other teams to Pakistan. "We have invited them several times but I don't know what they want or their government wants. But obviously there should be Pakistan and India series because it is bigger than the Ashes and I know the Indian people want to see us play," Afridi had said.
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"I remember the welcome the Indian team got when they came here in 2004 and 2006 is something which has never been given to any other team. But if they don't want to play than it is no issue and we can play against good teams," he said.