"Matches between India and Pakistan, along with Ashes can lift Test cricket" : Aaqib Javed

[MenInG]

Former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed, who is director of cricket operations for Durban Qalandars in South Africa’s T20 Global League, is miffed with the absence of Indian cricketers in the tournament.

Not only Aaqib, the T20 league’s franchise owners are upset as well. Javed Afridi, owner of Benoni Zalmi, thinks Indian cricketers in the league would have been ideal but fans will see India-Pakistan rivalry when Shah Rukh Khan’s Cape Town Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils’ GMR group’s Jo’burg Giants will face-off.

“Unfortunately, India and Pakistan cricketers won’t be playing against each other in the Global League and it would be left to Pakistan owners versus Indian owners. Shah Rukh has roots in Peshawar. People are looking forward to see his team take on Benoni Zalmi. After the success of the Pakistan Super League, there is a buzz regarding the Global T20 League,” said Afridi.

Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has been appointed head coach of Gauteng franchise, Benoni Zalmi, who will be led by Quinton de Kock. Posters of Benoni vs Cape Town being ‘the league’s version of ‘Pak vs India’ and carrying photographs of Afridi and Shah Rukh are doing the rounds on social media.

Fawad Rana, owner of Durban Qalandars, thinks the BCCI would eventually allow its players to compete in the T20 league and he would be the first to buy Virat Kohli. “I would have loved to buy Virat for my team. I feel eventually the Indian Board will allow its players to play in foreign leagues. It won’t be like this,” said Fawad.

Aaqib, who is remembered for his record-breaking seven-wicket haul against India at Sharjah in 1991, which included a hat-trick, says he is longing for India-Pak cricket to make a comeback.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, the 22-Test and 163-ODI veteran said, “There is traditional rivalry between the two countries when it comes to cricket. Matches between India and Pakistan, along with Ashes can lift Test cricket. The governments should keep sport aside of political tension and let fans relish top-class cricket. Imagine how big the next India and Pakistan match would be after the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final. The ICC should look into this and push the Indian Board to show some relaxation.”

The BCCI has barred Pakistan cricketers from the Indian Premier League, although they did play in the first edition. “It is wonderful to see international cricket return to Pakistan after a long hiatus. It was a brilliant effort from the Sri Lankan and West Indies Boards in making it happen again. The World XI vs Pakistan T20 games next month will open the door for more matches. Imagine if India visited Pakistan or Pakistan went to India for a Test Series, it would be legendary. It is sad that sport is dragged into political issues,” said Aaqib, who formed a successful troika with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in the 90s.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/crick...aaqib-javed/story-nrCrdPDOHqy4pBRJ7h3M2M.html

 

[CanadianG00se]

Last time i checked, stadiums were almost empty when India toured Pakistan during test matches. Lets face it, most south asian fans dont follow test cricket. Sooner we understand better, no point beating dead horse.

Unlike Ashes, Indian/Pakistani fans care more about LOIs than Test.

And i dont get why would 'J Afridi' be disappointed for not having Indians in GT20. He should have known by now, Indian players only play IPL. The reason why IPL is popular among Indian fans is because it is only league Indian players are allowed. Id lose interest in IPL if Kohli was to play every other league in world. I really wish there was some rule where player can only be affilated with one club(league) only.

 

[Adil_94]

if indo-pak matches are on competitive wickets then yes but if they are on the motorways that were masquerading as test match wickets in the mid 2000s then that wont stoke many peoples interest

 

[CanadianG00se]

if indo-pak matches are on competitive wickets then yes but if they are on the motorways that were masquerading as test match wickets in the mid 2000s then that wont stoke many peoples interest

In 2006, 3rd test match where I Pathan took hat trick was played on green pitch, yet stands were almost empty. Asian fans are hardcore LOIs fan, not so test fans or else ICC would've launched test championship by now.

 

[Poutine]

In 2006, 3rd test match where I Pathan took hat trick was played on green pitch, yet stands were almost empty. Asian fans are hardcore LOIs fan, not so test fans or else ICC would've launched test championship by now.

I just youtubed this match, the crowd seem pretty decent and lively even on the first day. So not a good example of what you are trying to prove.