KARACHI, 12 June 2003 — Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal yesterday proposed tours by legendary cricketers as sporting ambassadors between Pakistan and India, saying they could serve as a bridge to break the political stalemate between the nuclear rivals.
“I think there should be tours of sporting ambassadors to Pakistan and India which can pave the way for a revival of cricket between the two neighbors who have so many things in common,” Iqbal told AFP.
“The likes of Hanif Mohammad, Zaheer Abbas and Imran Khan should tour India and take feedback from people, and India’s Sunil Gavaskar, Bishen Bedi and Kapil Dev should come to Pakistan ....”
Iqbal made his first class debut in 1959 in the Indian city of Hyderabbad before migrating to Pakistan in 1962. Restarting his cricketing career in Pakistan in 1964-65, he played 58 Tests and 10 one-day matches for Pakistan before retiring in 1979-80.
Indian Sports Minister Vikram Verma last week said a decision was likely soon on whether both countries could play two one-day games on a home and away basis in September.
“I am surprised that no meaningful dialogue has yet to take place amidst efforts to restore peace between Pakistan and India. There is a need to revive late General Ziaul Haq’s slogan ‘cricket for peace,’” said Iqbal, who captained Pakistan during India’s tour in 1979-80.
“Cricket has the capacity to form a bridge between Pakistan and India and other things can move forward on that bridge.” No Indian team has toured Pakistan for a full Test tour since 1989-90, while Pakistan visited India three years ago before India decided to boycott bilateral cricket amid tension over Kashmir.
