Let's play India, venue does not matter, says Wasim Akram

Karachi: Former fast bowling great Wasim Akram said that Pakistan should not mind playing the proposed series in India if the government gives the go ahead for the resumption of cricket ties.

The two Asian neighbours are expected to play at a neutral venue with Sri Lanka emerging as the venue for the ODIs and T20s.

"It does not matter what the venue is and Pakistan can play in India if our government gives clearance. The main thing is that Indo-Pak cricket series should be resumed," Akram said.

The former Pakistan captain said it was important to move forward in Indo-Pak cricket relations as nearly 10 crore people in both countries follow the contest between arch- rivals.

"It is important for both countries to play against each other in the larger interest of the game. And there is no doubt that if a series takes place soon it will strengthen the Pakistan cricket board financially," Akram told Geo News channel.

The PCB said in a statement on Wednesday that there had been lot of speculations in the media since the meeting of the PCB and BCCI chiefs in Dubai with the President of the England and Wales Cricket Board Giles Clarke also present.

"PCB has informed the government of the talks in Dubai that were regarded as fruitful. The PCB has not asked for an NOC from government, for it is the government’s prerogative to decide on the issue," the statement said.

It also said that the BCCI is similarly also seeking its government’s views on these matters and that no request has been received from BCCI regarding the sharing of revenues.

The statement said any briefing on any developments will be done by Giles Clarke.

Akram's push for having the series even in India comes at a time when the PCB reacted strongly to the national T20 skipper Shahid Afridi saying in the media that Pakistan could go and play in India if the PCB got good money for the series.

The PCB had sought an explanation from Afridi for his comments on policy matters and cautioned him to be careful in future.

But in Dubai on Wednesday Afridi again fully endorsed any resumption of cricket ties with India, saying wherever and whenever a series is played the show must go on, irrespective of politics.

Many other former Pakistan greats including Javed Miandad have opposed Pakistan touring India for the series.

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