Pakistan and India Should Play Cricket Matches in Each Other’s Countries, Says Saeed Ajmal
Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has called for the resumption of bilateral cricket matches between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the immense love between the two nations. Ajmal believes that such matches would foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the neighboring countries.
Pakistan last toured India in 2012/13 for a limited-overs series, while India’s last visit to Pakistan was for the 2008 Asia Cup. Since then, political tensions have prevented the two teams from playing bilateral series, with their encounters limited to multi-nation tournaments.
“Even if the India versus Pakistan match happens on the moon, it will be huge,” said Ajmal at the launch of the GloFans High School Cricket Cup. “There is a lot of love between India and Pakistan, and we must go to each other’s countries.”
Ajmal, who represented Pakistan in 35 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 64 T20Is, also stressed the importance of promoting Test cricket. “There is a need to promote long-format cricket,” he said. “The ones who play the longest format can play any other format.”
The former spinner praised the current crop of star batters, including Virat Kohli, Joe Root, Babar Azam, and Rohit Sharma. He also lauded India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was named Player of the Tournament in India’s triumph at the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup.
“Bumrah is a very intelligent bowler, and intelligence is required with speed,” Ajmal concluded.
