In a fresh interview, former Pakistan skipper and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram revealed the world cricket governing body International Cricket Council (ICC) is toothless against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), to persuade the Board to play the bilateral series against the arch-rivals Pakistan.
“I don’t think ICC has the power to pursue BCCI,” Akram was quoted as saying by Geo.Tv.
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With strained relationship taking place between India and Pakistan, the left-arm bowling sensation Akram urged both the countries to bridge the gap through the medium of sport and urged the people to be apolitical in approach when it comes to the sport itself.
“Politics and sport should be separate,” Akram maintained.
The Lahore-born cricketer Akram, who has turned coach-cum-commentator, reiterated it is important to stay in touch and maintain the contacts across the borders to play a significant role in bringing both countries together in the gentleman’s game.
“But again I have always said people to people contact is necessary,” Akram added.
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Moreover, Akram rued by stating the escalation of tension has further witnessed the promising youngsters were barred from playing against each other following the political differences.
Akram went on to say that the India-Pakistan series have had witnessed a massive rush while terming it mega event than the traditional Ashes itself which is already an instant hit across the cricketing globe.
However, the 70th edition of the Ashes is beginning from November 23 in Brisbane, as England will be led by Joe Root and hosts Australia will see Steven Smith marshaling his troops.
“A Pakistan India match is more fun to watch than the Ashes. 20 million people watch the Ashes while a Pakistan India match is watched by a billion people,” Akram explained.
It is pertinent to point out that the Pakistan Cricket Board and BCCI have had agreed to schedule six bilateral series between 2015 to 2023, owing to the eight-year cycle after signing the agreement in 2014.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding, PCB was bound to host at least four series, as two series were slated to be hosted by BCCI.
On the other side, BCCI cited the security reasons before making it clear by revealing the final call will be taken by the Government of India whether to send the team to Pakistan or not or to face Pakistan at the neutral venue.
Interestingly, with escalating political tensions, India faced Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy final when Sarfraz Ahmad-led side laid hands on the coveted trophy on June 18 in the Oval after beating Virat Kohli’s Men in Blue by 180 runs.
Akram, who played 104 Tests and 356 One-day Internationals, has played a significant role for Pakistan, before nursing the raw talent back home.
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Akram collected 916 wickets across formats with bowling average under 24 in Test format and ODI cricket respectively.