Wasim Akram appeals to Indian fans

The former Pakistani captain was reacting to the cancellation of tri-nation cricket series in Sharjah to raise funds for quake victims in Gujarat.

“I know the fans love Pakistan-India ties and get engrossed in them but they are starved due to politics which should not be mingled in the game.

“Even if today you hold a poll 70 per cent of Indians will give thumbs up for Pakistan-India matches, they want this and are being deprived,” he said.

“How can I forget the Chennai crowd that gave Pakistan a standing ovation when we won a Test there in 1999,” Akram, who led Pakistan to the last Test series between the arch rivals, said.

“I also admire the Calcutta crowd who did show their resentment during that same series but the trouble makers were very few, Indians love cricket like anything and they can change this all.”

“I must say cricket should not be affected. Pakistan owed a great gesture by agreeing to raise funds for India victims,” Akram said.

“I can safely say this on behalf of all the Pakistani players that they want to play India anywhere in the world.”

The cancellation of the series allowed Akram to leave for Ireland where his wife gave birth to their second son last week.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia yesterday said he was worried for another tri-nation series, involving Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka, in April.

Zia demanded the Sharjah organisers to confirm India’s participation in that tournament.

Former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam said India should not be allowed to do whatever it chose.

“Indians are doing what they like and it should not be this way. Pakistan is maintaining a positive stance all the time while India is negative,” Alam told AFP.

Alam, however, saw no danger for the Sharjah tri-series in April.

“I think since Sharjah event is a regular commitment India will honour it,” he said.