Thackeray bats for Miandad

Miandad was accompanied by former India captain and friend Dilip Vengsarkar, who had set up the meeting. For Miandad, currently in India as a television analyst, this was his second politically significant meeting. He had recently been in Lucknow and had taken time off to meet Uttar Pradesh CM Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Miandad insisted that he had always been 8216;8216;inviting Thackeray to visit Pakistan and watch matches8217;8217; but that was only through newspapers. All through the meeting, both Thackeray and Miandad kept stressing on the need to 8216;8216;look ahead and think positive8217;8217;.

When asked if he will let Pakistan play in Mumbai during their return tour next year, Thackeray said it8217;s 8216;8216;too premature8217;8217;, though his reply suggested a little climbdown. 8216;8216;I will discuss the issue with my leaders and decide on that,8217;8217; he added.