India must tour Pak, says Akram

Pakistani ace bowler and former captain Wasim Akram said Friday that he and millions of cricket fans worldwide wanted India to tour Pakistan despite the tense relationship between the two countries.

"I am waiting for the Indian team to come and they must come for the sake of millions of cricket fans," Akram told AFP.

India was to tour Pakistan from December to February 2001 to play three Tests and five one-day internationals.

But the Indian sports ministry has voiced its opposition to maintaining sporting links with Pakistan, alleging Islamabad's hand in the ongoing unrest in Kashmir.

Islamabad however denies the charge.

"Its disappointing that sports and politics are treated with the same stick ... Cricket must go on because it eases out tension and promotes good relations," the former captain said.

No Indian team has toured Pakistan since the 1989-90 tour.

Pakistan toured India under Akram in 1999 after a gap of 12 years and played three Tests and a triangular tournament.

"We toured India in spite of threats and an incident of pitch digging in Delhi and played for the sake of fans," Akram said.

"I can't forget the standing ovation of the Chennia crowd when we won there, it suggested the people of both sides want to see Pakistan-India matches," he said. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman General Tauqir Zia Thursday threw the ball in India's court saying he is prepared to take his team to India if India does not come to Pakistan.

Akram said India's recent refusal to play against Pakistan in Toronto, Canada, was disappointing.

"It was disappointing that India pulled out from a venue where cricket is on the rise," he said.

Akram said India was avoiding Pakistan for fear of defeat.

"Their refusal to play leaves us to think that they fear losing to Pakistan."

Indian cricket board officials have said their government has the final say in the matter.

Mail Cricket Editor