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Asif Iqbal invites Indian team to Pakistan

Asif Iqbal, coordinator of the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS), has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send the Indian team on a tour of Pakistan early next year.

The former Pakistan captain, an influential personality in the International Cricket Council (ICC), however, told Gulf Today that the request was made in his personal capacity.

Asked why he made the request, he said: "Sports is an ideal bridge to ease the tension between the two countries."

Iqbal said he is looking forward to the BCCI accepting his request.

"Pakistan had toured India and now it is India's turn to tour Pakistan," he said.

Iqbal recalled the warm welcome Indian fans gave the Pakistan team and said Indian cricketers would get ten times more affection in Pakistan.

India last toured Pakistan for a Test series under the captaincy of Krishnamachari Srikkanth in 1989-90, while the Pakistani team last toured India for a two-match series and the Asian Test championship early last year.

UNI