Laxman, Kirmani back Indo-Pak ties

Indian batting legend, VVS Laxman has joined the chorus in wanting India and Pakistan to resume bilateral cricketing ties. He also felt that India would be the safer option to host matches against Pakistan.

Speaking at the annual CEAT cricket awards, Laxman compared the intensity between India and Pakistan to that of the Ashes rivalry between Australia and England.

“When Pakistan came for three one-dayers and two T20Is, the crowd really loved it. I don’t think any problem would be happening. It is like Ashes and everyone looks forward to the Ashes and the traditional England and Australia rivalry.

“I think it is the same, on par with the Ashes, the India-Pakistan rivalry. I don’t see any problem hosting (the series) in India but I am not sure about Pakistan.

“I know for a fact that since the attack that happened on the Sri Lankan cricket team, a lot of players are apprehensive of going there,” Laxman said.

While Laxman was for India hosting Pakistan, another Indian legend, former wicket-keeper, Syed Kirmani felt neutral venues was the best way to revive ties between the two nations.

“The best thing to start the bilateral relations is to have India and Pakistan play at a neutral place to start with. I think that would be the best idea to go about to having a series with Pakistan,” the former India stumper, who was part of the 1983 World Cup winning squad said.

“It should be in a neutral place. Pakistan and India can play in Asian countries where the Asian Cricket Council is trying to promote cricket. It will be a wonderful opportunity for those Asian countries to see the top two teams of Asia play one another and that would be a source of inspiration,” he added.