Aqib wants resumption of India Pakistan cricket

Dubai - Cricket can be a bridgemaker, says former UAE coach

Former UAE cricket coach Aqib Javed reckons that cricket can bring India and Pakistan closer. 
"Cricket can be a bridgemaker and it is high time for both the countries to resolve differences and start playing cricket. The fans are dying to see both the teams taking on each other," the ex-Pakistani pace bowler told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of a press conference held to announce the Emirates T20 cricket tournament.  
He stressed that there cannot be bigger rivalry in sports than India and Pakistan cricket match. "It is pity that there is no action between the two Asian giants."
"It is really important for international cricket that cricketing ties resume between two countries," he said, adding that he fondly remembers some of the historical games between the two countries, especially in Sharjah. "I was part of those history making exciting contests," he recollected. 
Pakistan has suffered a lot due to the lack of international cricket in the country. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is trying its best to convince international teams to visit Pakistan. The final of the second edition of the Pakistan Super League was successfully staged in Lahore and Aqib hopes it will pave the way for international cricket to come to Pakistan.
"The final of PSL drew huge crowds and it showed people in Pakistan are hungry to watch cricket. It might be a small step to bring back the international cricket but in my opinion it will still take time to convince international sides to visit Pakistan," Lahore Qalandars mentor said.
Talking about the T20 format and Pakistan's domestic cricket structure, he said: "We can't depend on T20 leagues to produce players of international caliber but at a time when the Pakistani domestic structure is in shambles, PSL has turned to be a blessing in disguise for the youngsters.
"We have produced some players - Fakhar Zaman (batsman), Shadab Khan (spinner) and Rumman Raees(all-rounder) who performed in the PSL and caught the eye of the selectors. They are in the team visiting the West Indies to play the series," he concluded.
liaqat@khaleejtimes