The frequency debate rambles along

The Pakistan and Indian cricket boards might well have to read the story of the golden goose again. A lot is being said and written about ho...

The Pakistan and Indian cricket boards might well have to read the story of the golden goose again. A lot is being said and written about how a cricket series between these two countries is the goose that lays golden eggs for those busy in marketing the game. And by increasing the frequency of they playing each other, India and Pakistan might well be killing that goose.

8216;8216;Yes, I guess it8217;s been a little too frequent,8217;8217; says Sachin Tendulkar, the only player in the current team who was in Pakistan in 1989 when Indian took their last full-fledged tour of this country before returning in 2004.

Sixteen years since his debut, Tendulkar had played 13 Tests against Pakistan in until now as compared to Rahul Dravid Test debut eight years after Tendulkar8217;s who has played nine Tests against Pakistan.

8216;8216;But then, when we weren8217;t playing them as frequently as now, it was like: Why don8217;t India and Pakistan play more regularly. Now when we are playing on a regular basis, it8217;s like: why are we playing so frequently,8217;8217; is Tendulkar8217;s assessment.

India8217;s senior most cricketer is, however, convinced that it is important for the 8216;8216;cricket boards to sit and chalk out a more appropriate schedule8217;8217; so that India-Pakistan matches manage to retain the same thrill always as has been the case in so many years.

8216;8216;These matches are exciting, as much for as for the fans. Even we players believe that it is very thrilling and demanding. But I think the two boards can definitely time it better. Maybe on the lines of the Ashes 8212; once in two-three years,8217;8217; he says.

Yet, in Tendulkar8217;s opinion, the present series will be an evenly fought one. Even the Mumbai batsman accepts that in all these years, either the tours of Pakistan were more focused on developing friendship or were marred by off-field incidents. 8216;8216;The Pakistanis also seem to be well prepared and have quite a new talented faces around. It will be interesting to play against them,8217;8217; he says.

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On the personal front, Tendulkar agrees that people will be accepting him to give this his best shot. Though the little master has little to prove against the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, on the personal front, Tendulkar would still like to believe that he can be his usual self against the Pak attack, once again.

Tendulkar also said India would have to maintain their intensity right through the series as any let-up could be exploited by Pakistan who would pose a much bigger challenge this time around.

8220;The key to the series is sticking to the basics. To win Tests you need to play well right through the match,8221; he said. 8220;I have not set myself any specific targets. I never have done so in my career. My aim is to play positive and tough cricket. There are big challenges ahead and I want to enjoy playing,8221; he said.

He also sought to downplay his encounter with Akhtar, saying the home team had a quality attack.