It’s not right for India and Pakistan to play cricket at this time, says Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar said that when the tension between the two nations is over, cricket would be the perfect way to bridge relations. (Source: Reuters File)

The proposed bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan due to be held in the UAE later this year should be postponed until long-standing border unrest between the two countries ends, said former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.

The UAE is scheduled to host three Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20 matches between India and Pakistan in December. But the planned rubber is in serious doubt in the wake of recent diplomatic tensions between the two nations with the bilateral dialogue stalled after a spate of skirmishes on the border.

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“Everybody knows to keep politics separate from sports. But unfortunately there’s a lot of unrest on the borders and it’s not right to play such a test between the two countries at this time,” Akhtar, who was here yesterday to promote the Sprite Cricket Stars tournament, said.

“However, I would encourage that, whenever the unrest settles and whenever India and Pakistan are ready to talk again at the highest level, cricket would be the perfect way to bridge relations.

“They are still two of the best teams in the world and neither can avoid each other if you want to keep cricket interesting. You cannot ignore that the rarest of talent comes out of these countries and that people love to see them play against each other,” he said.