Akram’s advice to Indians

Former Pakistan great Wasim Akram today called on India’s cricketers to put aside security concerns and press ahead with their tour of Pakistan next month. Wasim urged India to follow the example of his team which toured India in 1998-99 despite threats from fundamentalists.

“My request to Indian players is to hit security concerns out of their minds and tour Pakistan with open minds and smiles because people all over the world are anxiously waiting for the series,” Wasim said. “I know it’s tough to overcome safety concerns and Indian players are concerned in the same manner we were before our tour a few years back,” he said.

“But Indians must follow the Pakistan team’s example which toured India despite pronounced death threats from fundamentalists, and the whole of India welcomed us on the tour,” said Wasim. “I know the cultures of both Pakistan and India, people are mad about cricket and I see no problems for Indian players in Pakistan.”