KARACHI, 18 July 2003 — One of India’s most enduring allrounders Syed Abid Ali has called for a quick resumption of bilateral cricket ties between Pakistan and India.
The 62-year-old who now sports a white beard and is presently in Karachi as coach of the UAE team said that it was sad that politics had not allowed regular cricket exchanges between the two neighboring countries.
“Athleticism should never be mixed with politics. But unfortunately that is a way and fact of life. And that is what has happened to Indo-Pak cricket relations,” he said.
“It is sad because people in both countries, the players and the respective boards want to see the teams playing against each other. But sometimes circumstances dictate terms,” he added.
Abid who appeared in 29 Tests and five One-Day Internationals between 1969 and 1975 and featured in India’s most famous victories against New Zealand, West Indies and England in the early 70s is now settled in the United States but said his passion and love for the sport had not wavered.
“Cricket to me is still a source of great satisfaction, enjoyment and inspiration. Which is why I am coaching the UAE team for the last one year.”
“Few years ago I also coached the Andhra team to the zonal championship title in India,” he recalls proudly.
The exciting allrounder who hit the winning runs in India’s famous victory over England at the Oval in 1971 said he saw cricket as a way to build bridges between the two countries. “Cricket can play a big role in bringing the people of the two countries in closer contact with each other. There is so much passion and interest for the sport in the subcontinent.”
“I think the time is right for the Indian government to allow resumption of bilateral cricket ties. The atmosphere is conducive and it would be good for the sport in the region if these two great teams play against each other.” Abid said it was a positive sign that the Indian government had allowed the Indian board to field Indian junior and ‘A’ teams in the Asian cricket council (ACC) tournaments against Pakistan.
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Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis has still not responded to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) offer to announce his retirement officially and take part in a farewell match against South Africa in October.
Waqar, who was axed as captain and dropped from the team after the disappointing World Cup campaign, has still not responded to an offer made to him by the PCB chief executive Rameez Raja recently in England.
Meanwhile, Wasim had conveyed to the board that he would be returning to Pakistan in September where he would make his retirement official and will take part in just one more match - his farewell appearance.
The PCB chairman has already directed his marketing department to ensure that the farewell match for Wasim is a success and the former captain is given a handsome financial package.
