Zaheer Abbas Advocates for India-Pakistan Cricket Matches to Be Held in Both Countries

Mumbai:Legendary Pakistani cricketer Zaheer Abbas has expressed his preference for India and Pakistan to play their cricket matches in each other’s countries, rejecting the idea of hosting these games in a neutral country.

Speaking with selected journalists at the Cricket Club of India (CCI), Abbas emphasized that there should be positive discussions about holding India-Pakistan matches within the two countries rather than in a neutral venue. He recalled how, during past World Cup matches, a large number of Indian cricket fans would come to Pakistan to watch the games, a practice he believes can still happen today.

Zaheer Abbas, who is visiting India with his family, crossed the Wagah Border and spent a few days in Delhi before arriving in Mumbai. During a one-hour conversation with journalists, the 88-year-old former cricketer strongly advocated for India-Pakistan cricket encounters.

He praised India’s progress, noting the development of skyscrapers and improved infrastructure. Abbas remarked, “I wish these roads would lead from Delhi to Pakistan.” He emphasized the importance of cricket matches between the two nations, saying, “India and Pakistan must have cricket matches. India’s team should visit Pakistan, and Pakistan’s team should visit India. I don’t know why this is not happening. Both countries are neighbors, and both love cricket. I believe these matches should happen.”

Zaheer Abbas, fondly known as Zed, was accompanied by his wife, Samina Abbas, who is from Kanpur, India. Abbas, a former captain of the Pakistani cricket team, reiterated that cricketing ties between the two neighboring nations are vital and should be revived.