ISLAMABAD/NEW DELHI, 5 March 2005 — Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has expressed interest in engaging in “cricket diplomacy” with India, as the sporting and political rivals prepare for a much-anticipated cricket Test match next week. Musharraf told the Pakistan Observer newspaper he was also interested in taking in some of the tour of India.
“I love watching any sport. I would love to watch cricket,” said Musharraf, a keen sportsman, but he added that the initiative would have to come from New Delhi. “I don’t believe in going without an invitation anywhere. If there is an invitation, one would like to consider.”
An Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman said 4,000 visas had been issued so far. Indian railways will also run special trains for visiting fans.
Malik Worried Bowling Ban Could Curb Career
Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik is worried his Test career may never blossom because of a question mark over his bowling action.
Malik is unlikely to bowl his off spin during the current Test series in India after being reported in October for chucking. Although new International Cricket Council (ICC) rules permit an elbow flex of up to 15 degrees since March 1, biomechanical Tests are reported to have shown that Malik’s action is still above permissible limits. The issue is likely to go before the ICC bowling review committee. Malik says his problem is due to a shoulder fracture he suffered after colliding with teammate Shahid Afridi during a game in Lord’s in 2001.
