Basil
Contributor
- Joined
- 6 Oct 2013
- Messages
- 4,888
- Reaction score
- 3,013
VVS Laxman Hopes India can Host Pakistan for Bilateral Series
Mumbai: While comparing the rivalry between India and Pakistan to the Ashes, former India batsman VVS Laxman said India is safe to host the matches, should a bilateral series between the neighbouring countries take place.
The stylish Hyderabadi batsman pointed out that fans enjoyed the contest when Pakistan toured India in December 2012-January 2013 for three ODIs and two T20s.
"When Pakistan came for three one-dayers and two T20, the crowd really loved it. I don't think there would be any problem. It is like the Ashes and everyone looks forward to the Ashes and the England and Australia rivalry. The rivalry is traditional.
"I think it is the same, on par with the Ashes, the India Pakistan rivalry. I don't see any problem in India hosting Pakistan but I am not sure about Pakistan. Ramiz (Raja) is a better person to tell you about that.
"I know for a fact that since the attack that on the Sri Lankan cricket team, a lot of players are apprehensive of going there," Laxman said at the Ceat Cricket Rating awards.
Former wicket-keeper batsman Syed Kirmani, however, suggested that the best way to revive the cricketing ties between the two countries was to host the series at a neutral venue in Asia.
"The best thing to start the bilateral relations is to have India and Pakistan play at a neutral place."
Kirmani, who was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad felt the two arch-rivals should play in Asian nations where the Asian Cricket Council is still trying to promote cricket.
