Pakistani star cricketer Wasim Akram said he was anxiously hoping for a ‘yes’ result as fans wait to hear if a planned series between arch-rivals Pakistan and India will go ahead.
A recent thaw in Indo-Pak relations, with the prime ministers of both countries holding a short meeting in Paris last week, followed by talks between their security advisers in Bangkok, has raised hopes of a revival of cricket ties stalled since 2008.
Pakistan's cricket chief on Tuesday said the series' fate will be decided during a visit to Islamabad by India's Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.
"Of course, I am waiting for India's ‘yes’ on the series and I am as keen as millions of fans across both the borders," Wasim said.
Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan said that he is hoping for the Indian External Affairs Minister to come out with a response soon on the proposed bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan.
"For last 2-3 days, Indian High Commissioner was here for a farewell visit. He did not have much information relating to this (proposed tour).
“But informally, we have been told that Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj will come out with a brief on this issue, which will be discussed government to government. So we are awaiting that now," Shahryar said.
Meanwhile, senior Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) functionary Rajiv Shukla said in New Delhi that the Board will abide by the government decision.
"When you are having trade with Pakistan, both the governments are engaged in having foreign secretary level talks, minister-to-minister talks.
Last year PCB and BCCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to play six series between 2015 to 2023, subject to clearance from their respective governments.
But it ran into trouble amid strained relations over cross-border shelling in disputed Kashmir.
