Waqar welcomes India's Asia test championship go-ahead

Pakistan cricket captain Waqar Younis has welcomed India's decision to take part in the Asian test championship in September.

Waqar, currently leading the side on a two-test series in England, said he was delighted the Indian government had not blocked its test team from travelling to Pakistan for the first time in 12 years.

"I have been looking forward to playing India in Pakistan for two or three years," he said. "It's a welcome decision by the Indian government. It's good for Asian cricket."

The tournament, also involving Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, takes place between September 2001 and February 2002. Pakistan are expected to host India at Karachi.

The two teams last met in India in early 1999 but India's last test series in Pakistan dates back to 1989.

Earlier this year the Indian government refused to allow bilateral matches, although it has not blocked meetings within multi-team tournaments.

Sporting relations between India and Pakistan are strained because of political tension over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, also on tour in England, added: "The Indian government has now realised that sport and politics should be kept apart. It's for the sake of millions of cricket fans from both countries."

Mail Cricket Editor