Pakistan’s legendary cricketer, Javed Miandad, has voiced his strong opinion regarding India, suggesting that Pakistan should refrain from touring India for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup unless India reciprocates by visiting Pakistan first.
According to the draft schedule released by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan is set to face India in a highly anticipated World Cup match at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on October 15. However, Miandad, a former captain, believes it is now India’s turn to undertake a tour of Pakistan.
“Pakistan has been to India in 2012 and even in 2016. Now it is the turn of the Indians to come here,” Miandad stated.
Expressing his firm stance, Miandad said he would never go to India to play any match, including the World Cup. He emphasized that while Pakistan is always ready to play against India, the same response is not reciprocated.
Miandad stressed that Pakistan cricket holds great importance, with the nation continuing to produce quality players. He confidently added that even if Pakistan doesn’t tour India, it would not make a significant difference.
Bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan have been suspended since 2008 due to long-standing geopolitical tensions. Miandad firmly believes that sports should not be mixed with politics and that cricket can bring people closer and resolve misunderstandings and grievances between countries.
Miandad’s recent criticism comes as Pakistan was forced to host the upcoming Asia Cup in a hybrid model, with India playing all their matches in Sri Lanka. This decision did not sit well with Miandad, who has been a vocal critic of India.
With the Asia Cup and the World Cup on the horizon, Miandad has called for a strong stand to be taken, expressing disappointment at India’s reluctance to visit Pakistan. The ball now lies in India’s court as cricket enthusiasts eagerly await a response that can foster better relations between the two nations on the cricket field.
