“It would be a terrible atmosphere on the cricket ground (if we played India right now)”: Imran Khan

[Abdullah719]

Imran Khan via the Out Of Exile documentary on Sky Sports:

“If I have time to watch cricket, I time it to the last 5 overs of the result. If it’s a close game, it’s quite fun to watch. As a connosieur of cricket, I don’t enjoy T20. I enjoy the improvization in strokeplay, I look at the T20 games and think why didn’t I try to develop those strokes. But I just love good quality Test cricket, but for that, I don’t have much time.

“I played two series in India. One in 1979 when the two govts. were trying to come close. I can’t tell you how wonderful the atmosphere was on the cricket field. Big crowds.

“The next time I went was in 1987 and this time, there was tension between the two govts. I saw hostility in India which I had never seen before. Our players were being pelted from the ground and I made them wear helmets while fielding at the boundary. It wasn’t a very good atmosphere on certain grounds.

“When India came to Pakistan in 2005, again the govts. were trying to get close. I never thought I would see on a cricket ground what happened. Pakistan lost to India in Pakistan and the crowds cheered the Indian team. Great atmosphere.

“Right now, playing cricket in this atmosphere with this sort of a govt. in power, I would imagine it would be a terrible atmosphere on the cricket ground.

“There’s nothing quite like the Ashes for the English. But Pakistan-India series is just in a different league in terms of tension, pressure, and enjoyment.”

Wasim Khan

“Realistically, we don’t see anything changing (relations with India). Would we want that to happen? The supporters on each side would want that to happen. Ironically, we have a decent relationship with the BCCI and we just want to play cricket. But unfortunately with the government sign offs they have to get in India, it makes it difficult.

“Imran has hardened his view after months of trying to build a cordial relationship with our neighbors. I think he’s realized he’s fighting a losing battle. We’ve done everything we can as a nation. We’re certainly not going to beg India to play us. Life moves on, I just say to people to lower their expectations about playing India in the next 10-12 years.”

Wasim Akram on Sky Sports:

“I played cricket for Pakistan for 19-20 years and I only played 2 Test series against India. One was in 87, my first series with IK as captain. Second one was 99, and when we arrived there, we loved it. The hotels were beautiful and we got looked after. The cricket was top notch. But we Pakistanis have moved on. We love our cricket and we’ll play with other nations but we’re not going to go after India and ask them to play us. If they want to play us, our PM will be ready to do so but I don’t know about theirs.”

Michael Atherton on Sky Sports:

“The prospect of India and Pakistan playing outside of ICC events are minimal at the moment, even at a neutral venue. It’s quite a hardline regime in India and as Wasim Khan said, Imran has hardened his position now as well. They seem as far apart as ever. It’s a great shame because this is the one thing that would give Test cricket a massive boost.”

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

A confession: I don’t enjoy Pakistan India matches as much as those with England and Australia.

I find the non sense about baap baita, revenge, mauka etc tedious and childish, games are rarely close and the crowd are loud but not as much fun.

Speaking for me, not missing it much.

 

[Indiafan]

A confession: I don’t enjoy Pakistan India matches as much as those with England and Australia.

I find the non sense about baap baita, revenge, mauka etc tedious and childish, games are rarely close and the crowd are loud but not as much fun.

Speaking for me, not missing it much.

I think its mostly because its all LOIS and not tests. Would love to see some tests between both teams

 

[sweep_shot]

I think its mostly because its all LOIS and not tests. Would love to see some tests between both teams

Yes!

I think Tests should be much more interesting.

 

[gibsyhesperis]

A confession: I don’t enjoy Pakistan India matches as much as those with England and Australia.

I find the non sense about baap baita, revenge, mauka etc tedious and childish, games are rarely close and the crowd are loud but not as much fun.

Speaking for me, not missing it much.

I agree — England vs Australia is a cricket rivalry. Pak vs India transcends cricket into nationalism and this is somewhat unpleasant. Anyway, a bit theoretical as they will not be playing each other any time soon

 

[Cricketrenew]

Humans forget they are humans.... and temporary.

Enjoyment quickly turns into sadness as a game means too much to some.

I think both shouldn't play each other until both realise they don't own anything
but everything belongs to a higher being.

 

[Bewal Express]

I think the last test between the 2 has been played( unless it's some ICC test championship event). Its a shame but it is what it is. I am glad that in the head to head we will for eternity, always be ahead.

 

[Thomaskutty]

Its a shame but it is what it is. I am glad that in the head to head we will for eternity, always be ahead.

That's okay, you can keep it .. coz you and I know both know that dem ICC encounters are what truly matters to desi fans. #12-0

 

[Artaxerxes]

Pakistan should never play India again.India is carrying out a genocide in Kashmir.Human lives and human rights are more important that the silly game called cricket.

 

[khan_aa]

That's okay, you can keep it .. coz you and I know both know that dem ICC encounters are what truly matters to desi fans. #12-0

I guess you cant count.

Champions Tophy are also ICC events.

The loss India suffered in 2017 will go down as one of the most humiliating defeats in the history of this game, by a very mediocre team like Pakistan against a team filled with superstars.

I know its hard to swallow it for you guys, but it should remind you of what Pakistan is capable of.

 

[khan_aa]

Pakistan should never play India again.India is carrying out a genocide in Kashmir. Human lives and human rights are more important that the silly game called cricket.

Pakistan should completely boycott all non-essential relations with India and in return, if India wants to maintain a relationship with Pakistan over anything, it should be agreed upon careful analysis.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Imran is exaggerating it.

 

[Rajdeep]

The next time I went was in 1987 and this time, there was tension between the two govts. I saw hostility in India which I had never seen before. Our players were being pelted from the ground and I made them wear helmets while fielding at the boundary. It wasn’t a very good atmosphere on certain grounds.

Not sure if Imran deliberately forgot 1989 Indian tour of Pakistan when Indian players faced same hostility in Pakistan.

During 2nd ODI in Karachi, Pakistan were left struggling at 28 for three in 14.3 overs with Shoaib Mohammad and Imran Khan hanging on grimly. It was then that the stone-pelting started: the Indian outfielders converged towards the pitch, but the spectators were relentless. Even Miandad, the local hero, tried to calm the crowd, but to no avail. The match had to be called off. Prabhakar’s magic figures of 5-2-5-3 had gone in vain.

Again, when India toured Pak in 97 for 3 match ODI series, Indian team faced the wrath of stone pelters in Karachi.

 

[Bewal Express]

That's okay, you can keep it .. coz you and I know both know that dem ICC encounters are what truly matters to desi fans. #12-0

Ask any player what they value and they will tell you it's test Cricket and we will forever and a day have the better record. Our ODI record is not bad either. Lol

 

[Abdullah719]

The next time I went was in 1987 and this time, there was tension between the two govts. I saw hostility in India which I had never seen before. Our players were being pelted from the ground and I made them wear helmets while fielding at the boundary. It wasn’t a very good atmosphere on certain grounds.

Not sure if Imran deliberately forgot 1989 Indian tour of Pakistan when Indian players faced same hostility in Pakistan.

During 2nd ODI in Karachi, Pakistan were left struggling at 28 for three in 14.3 overs with Shoaib Mohammad and Imran Khan hanging on grimly. It was then that the stone-pelting started: the Indian outfielders converged towards the pitch, but the spectators were relentless. Even Miandad, the local hero, tried to calm the crowd, but to no avail. The match had to be called off. Prabhakar’s magic figures of 5-2-5-3 had gone in vain.

Again, when India toured Pak in 97 for 3 match ODI series, Indian team faced the wrath of stone pelters in Karachi.

Proves his point, I think. Hostility between the two countries resulted in hostility on the field as well. I don’t think he was trying to provide an all-encompassing history.

 

[Saj]

I still believe if India played in Pakistan, they would get a lot of love and appreciation from the fans and would get great support from the locals.

When this could happen is anyone's guess.

 

[Bewal Express]

I still believe if India played in Pakistan, they would get a lot of love and appreciation from the fans and would get great support from the locals.

When this could happen is anyone's guess.

I think Indias desire to stopping PK getting any TV and sponsorship is at the heart of the matter. The Hindutuva have palpitations at the thought of PK earning money

 

[Geil]

NEWLY ELECTED Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is “very, very keen” on the resumption of bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan, according to Ehsan Mani,

Imran, the World Cup-winning Pakistan captain, has been a vocal advocate of cricketing ties between the two countries.

Talking about resumption of India-Pakistan bilateral series, Mani, who played a pivotal role in discussions with Indian counterparts in 2003-04 series, said: “I feel restoration of bilateral series would not be possible before the Indian election next year. We want cricket to be depoliticised.”

Ehsan Mani speaking on TV:

"We should take a very clear line on this issue (Indo-Pak Series) Infact we shouldn’t pursue India at all"

India-Pakistan contests are healthy for global cricket : Ehsan Mani

Absence of series against India results in PCB losing USD 90 million

If you can play IPL in UAE, why not Pakistan series, asks Ehsan Mani

The obsession of PCB on the topic of India Pakistan bilateral series seems to never end. To me from BCCI point of view it is not even a discussion or debate as you wont see such statements from any of top BCCI representatives or officials in the past years on this topic of bilateral series but yet PCB top representatives seems to always come up with some form of frequent statements over the years "for or against" on this topic to keep the debate up and running.

India can’t play Pakistan without government’s permission: BCCI official

No problem with PCB hosting Asia Cup, but India won't play in Pakistan: BCCI

After ‘Visa Assurances’ Demand, BCCI Asks PCB if it Can Guarantee No Terror Attacks in India
PCB CEO Wasim Khan says they have asked ICC to ensure BCCI gives a written assurance that Pakistan teams will not face any difficulties in getting their visas cleared to travel to India.

Window That Suits Pakistan Doesn't Suit India, Says BCCI Official In Strongly Worded Message

Sports Minister Vijay Goel today made it clear that the government will not allow any bilateral cricket between India and Pakistan until the time "cross-border terrorism" does not stop.

Two very different tone of statements from both sides,

With all these obsession of PCB to me it looks like PCB is all ready and accommodating in whatever situation or demands BCCI may put for PCB in future situation when actually BCCI might agree to play a bilateral series against India.

It looks like the PCB is only waiting for the Indian government and BCCI approval to start bilateral ties.

 

[sharmaji]

I hope that in my lifetime India and Pakistan will play a Test series. I understand that there are larger issues beyond cricket at play here. One day, hopefully all those issues will also be sorted out and our countries can be friendly again.

 

[Shazzam]

In 100 years I expect things between the two nations to get better.

 

[Yk313]

The next time I went was in 1987 and this time, there was tension between the two govts. I saw hostility in India which I had never seen before. Our players were being pelted from the ground and I made them wear helmets while fielding at the boundary. It wasn’t a very good atmosphere on certain grounds.

Not sure if Imran deliberately forgot 1989 Indian tour of Pakistan when Indian players faced same hostility in Pakistan.

During 2nd ODI in Karachi, Pakistan were left struggling at 28 for three in 14.3 overs with Shoaib Mohammad and Imran Khan hanging on grimly. It was then that the stone-pelting started: the Indian outfielders converged towards the pitch, but the spectators were relentless. Even Miandad, the local hero, tried to calm the crowd, but to no avail. The match had to be called off. Prabhakar’s magic figures of 5-2-5-3 had gone in vain.

Again, when India toured Pak in 97 for 3 match ODI series, Indian team faced the wrath of stone pelters in Karachi.

Think he was asked about what he thinks of PAK touring IND - could be wrong though. In any case, don’t think a comprehensive and chronological timeline was being provided.

 

[Syed1]

I still believe if India played in Pakistan, they would get a lot of love and appreciation from the fans and would get great support from the locals.

When this could happen is anyone's guess.

Maybe only in Lahore. The rest of the country has become very hostile towards India specially because of their attitude since Modi came to power.

 

[Bhaijaan]

I still believe if India played in Pakistan, they would get a lot of love and appreciation from the fans and would get great support from the locals.

When this could happen is anyone's guess.

Indian politics is quite different from Pakistan and it's the political climate currently which could create troubles in some places otherwise most of India would also open their heart out for Pakistanis and it's been seen in past.

 

[Snowflake]

That's okay, you can keep it .. coz you and I know both know that dem ICC encounters are what truly matters to desi fans. #12-0

Indian desi fans. Because, they don't have much else over Pakistan. Just look at the fact that they proudly boast of even those WC victories over Pak where Pak ended up doing better than Ind (e.g. 92'!!) Clutching at straws is what it is.

Anywho, India is governed by an extremist thug and it is starting to reflect in their gen pop too. There's no point of a sporting relationship with a country who holds nothing but hate for you. Life goes on.

 

[Snowflake]

Maybe only in Lahore. The rest of the country has become very hostile towards India specially because of their attitude since Modi came to power.

But we are able to differentiate between politics and sport. Pak people will still appreciate and respect the Indian cricket team regardless of how they feel about the country's political leadership.

However, this differentiates Pak people from Indian people. Indians are blinded by nationalism at the moment and for them, anything Pak is worthy of hate. We all saw what happened when Shehryar K. visited India to meet BCCI.

Their public is on hate steroids and has left reason and logic in the rear view

 

[Snowflake]

Indian politics is quite different from Pakistan and it's the political climate currently which could create troubles in some places otherwise most of India would also open their heart out for Pakistanis and it's been seen in past.

I like your use of the word "different", we all know what that means.

Also, gone are the days of Indians opening their hearts out for Pakistanis. Never in India's history have the people been ruled by such a "different" leader. So, using the past as reference is a wrong analogy.

 

[moghul]

I still believe if India played in Pakistan, they would get a lot of love and appreciation from the fans and would get great support from the locals.

When this could happen is anyone's guess.

definitely .

 

[Saj]

Maybe only in Lahore. The rest of the country has become very hostile towards India specially because of their attitude since Modi came to power.

No I think if it came to cricket, the fans at any ground in Pakistan would appreciate the Indian team.

 

[Abid Z]

The next time I went was in 1987 and this time, there was tension between the two govts. I saw hostility in India which I had never seen before. Our players were being pelted from the ground and I made them wear helmets while fielding at the boundary. It wasn’t a very good atmosphere on certain grounds.

Not sure if Imran deliberately forgot 1989 Indian tour of Pakistan when Indian players faced same hostility in Pakistan.

During 2nd ODI in Karachi, Pakistan were left struggling at 28 for three in 14.3 overs with Shoaib Mohammad and Imran Khan hanging on grimly. It was then that the stone-pelting started: the Indian outfielders converged towards the pitch, but the spectators were relentless. Even Miandad, the local hero, tried to calm the crowd, but to no avail. The match had to be called off. Prabhakar’s magic figures of 5-2-5-3 had gone in vain.

Again, when India toured Pak in 97 for 3 match ODI series, Indian team faced the wrath of stone pelters in Karachi.

I think the point being that spectators on both sides are easily led by whatever the political context and discourse is At the time of the tour. The 2004 and 05 tours were very friendly and right right up to the Mumbai attacks the icl was great but in between whenever the political rhetoric is ratcheted up, well we are an emotional lot on both sides..so the public always follow.

 

[hitthestump]

Until the Indian people get rid of Hindutva a mutual series is out of the question. The longer Hindutva remains in power the harder it'll be to change people's mindsets in terms of the future leaders they vote in.

It really could take a very long time in that case before another bilateral series occurs, which is why Wasim Khan gives a timespan in decades to expect anything to change.

 

[Thomaskutty]

I guess you cant count.

Champions Tophy are also ICC events.

The loss India suffered in 2017 will go down as one of the most humiliating defeats in the history of this game, by a very mediocre team like Pakistan against a team filled with superstars.

Champions Trophy are more or less a bunch of exhibition games though, you shouldn't take it too seriously. Most teams bring their A-game for the main course aka the World Cup.

 

[ChennaiFan]

Champions Trophy are more or less a bunch of exhibition games though, you shouldn't take it too seriously. Most teams bring their A-game for the main course aka the World Cup.

No, I don't believe in this exhibition game theory! With the amount of hype created before Champions Trophy tournament, I believe all the teams include Indian team took the games seriously. If they didn't bring their A-game in Champions Trophy, then it is a shame and it should be investigated.

 

[ChennaiFan]

Until the Indian people get rid of Hindutva a mutual series is out of the question. The longer Hindutva remains in power the harder it'll be to change people's mindsets in terms of the future leaders they vote in.

It really could take a very long time in that case before another bilateral series occurs, which is why Wasim Khan gives a timespan in decades to expect anything to change.

I believe, in recent times Hindutva came into prominence because of the incompetent governance for decades by the previous governments. The politics of minority appeasement and their inability to curb terrorism became catalysts for the uprising of Hindutva. Unless we see a lasting domestic and border peace, I am afraid this trend will continue.

Regardless of who leads the government, for developing trust between India and Pakistan, I think the two countries should develop ties in multiple fronts including cricket. I miss watching Pakistan playing in Chennai.

 

[Mamoon]

Pakistani fans are star-struck with Indian players these days, and it is understandable when you consider the fact that Indian cricket is at a completely different level now.

The likes of Kohli and Rohit would receive incredible reception in Pakistan.

 

[ChennaiFan]

Pakistani fans are star-struck with Indian players these days, and it is understandable when you consider the fact that Indian cricket is at a completely different level now.

The likes of Kohli and Rohit would receive incredible reception in Pakistan.

That is a good sporting culture to appreciate good players even if there are from your arch-rivals. I saw good atmosphere when Indian team toured Pakistan in 2004 or 05. Good Pakistani players are also appreciated by Indian fans. I would love to watch Shaheen Afridi bowling in Mohali or Eden Gardens, Babar Azam batting in Chennai against Ashwin, and a good leg spinner.

 

[Mamoon]

That is a good sporting culture to appreciate good players even if there are from your arch-rivals. I saw good atmosphere when Indian team toured Pakistan in 2004 or 05. Good Pakistani players are also appreciated by Indian fans. I would love to watch Shaheen Afridi bowling in Mohali or Eden Gardens, Babar Azam batting in Chennai against Ashwin, and a good leg spinner.

That is hard to achieve when the gap between the two sides is so huge. India is miles ahead of Pakistan today, but that was not the case in 2004-2005.

Pakistan is actually a huge beneficiary of the fact that there is no bilateral cricket between the two countries. Pakistan vs India in the previous decade would have been just like Sri Lanka vs India. A one-sided thrashing.

The only good time for Pakistan to play India was that 2012-13 series when India was in all sorts of problems, but what we saw in the Asia Cup two years ago would have been the norm 2013 onwards.

We have no ability to compete against a full-strength Indian side in any format. Sure we can win a one-off game like the CT final, but we don’t have a chance over a series.

 

[Thephenom]

A lot is made of the rivalry, but as far as the players go I feel there is a lot of mutual respect, there will be no bilateral matches while Modi is in power

 

[hitthestump]

Pakistani fans are star-struck with Indian players these days, and it is understandable when you consider the fact that Indian cricket is at a completely different level now.

The likes of Kohli and Rohit would receive incredible reception in Pakistan.

You sure about that? I really can't see Pakistani's fawning over Indian players the way Indians did to ours.

 

[Mamoon]

You sure about that? I really can't see Pakistani's fawning over Indian players the way Indians did to ours.

Pakistanis fawn over Kohli like no tomorrow. He is probably the most revered and admired Indian cricketer ever.

If he plays in Pakistan he is going to get an amazing reception.

 

[Giannis]

Pakistanis fawn over Kohli like no tomorrow. He is probably the most revered and admired Indian cricketer ever.

If he plays in Pakistan he is going to get an amazing reception.

Well too bad for him cause he's about 32 and there's defnitely no tours happening between the two countries for another 5 years and he'll be gone by then.

 

[princeuk]

A lot is made of the rivalry, but as far as the players go I feel there is a lot of mutual respect, there will be no bilateral matches while Modi is in power

This, no chance of anything pro-pakistani for as long Modi Sarkar stays in power.

 

[Thephenom]

I don’t agree that India are miles better then us, to be where we are despite all that’s gone on is remarkable in my opinion

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Even when you are busy running a country, there's always time to watch some cricket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/h3jiYZs1lz">pic.twitter.com/h3jiYZs1lz</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1298299520703500293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dantheone]

It would be great to see them play Test Cricket, even if it is at a neutral venue.

 

[khan_aa]

Champions Trophy are more or less a bunch of exhibition games though, you shouldn't take it too seriously. Most teams bring their A-game for the main course aka the World Cup.

Thank you for displaying your lack of knowledge and alerting the posters here that you should not be taken seriously. CT tournament was far more competitive than either 50 over WC or T20 because there were far less teams and it was pretty much a knock out tournament. That has been the opinion of many and will continue to be so because you have to be a top 8 team to actually qualify.

All teams go through ups and downs and this is pakistan's down time. Just like WI. Just like Australia in 80s. Just like England in 90s.

Dont count us out yet and you should be very scared of a team that despite not playing at home for 10 years for no fault of their own, was top ranked in tests in 2016, and won CT in 2017 and maintained T20 #1 ranking for almost 2 years.

I know some will downplay Pakistan, but our legacy will bring us back - we are already on the right track to normalcy.

 

[khan_aa]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Even when you are busy running a country, there's always time to watch some cricket <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/h3jiYZs1lz">pic.twitter.com/h3jiYZs1lz</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1298299520703500293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

i see nothing wrong with this.

 

[MenInG]

i see nothing wrong with this.

Yes I agree and no where is it being implied that it's wrong.

All it shows is the passion for the game he has.

 

[khan_aa]

Yes I agree and no where is it being implied that it's wrong.

All it shows is the passion for the game he has.

Thank you for clarifying.

 

[Indiafan]

In modern times I have never seen the players be hostile to each other at all, whether its a close or a one sided match. So dont know what Imran is talking about

 

[iniqbal223]

Gulf between the 2 teams is so big that its good that our team is not playing against India


But but but,

Many careers like of Misbahs, Maliks, Akmals, Wahabs, Azhars, Asads would have ended earlier. But in fact these shameless players will keep hanging on forever in PCB

 

[Hitman]

Anything to watch India and Pakistan lock horns in Test cricket. Sucks that it won't be happening anytime soon.

 

[MenInG]

In modern times I have never seen the players be hostile to each other at all, whether its a close or a one sided match. So dont know what Imran is talking about

Possibly about the anti-Pakistan atmosphere in the country which may find its way onto field of play.