Cricket and politics should not be mixed: Bishen Bedi

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Former India cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi on Thursday extended his support to the revival of Indo-Pak cricketing ties, saying the sport should not be mixed with politics.

"We are living in free India, there are those who oppose, but I am of the view that there should be matches between India and Pakistan. Cricket is a separate thing from politics, the two should not be mixed. If cricketers are ready to play, then why not?," Bedi told reporters here.

India and Pakistan are set to revive their cricketing ties after a gap of five years following Mumbai terror attack.

The two teams are scheduled to play three ODIs and two Twenty20 Internationals in India in December-January.

Bedi's successor as Indian cricket team's captain, Sunil Gavaskar, had earlier slammed BCCI's decision to resume the bilateral ties saying that there was no need to for the resumption of cricketing relation with Pakistan as they were not cooperating in the 26/11 probe.

Bedi, who is the head coach at Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), said Pakistan will have the leverage of coming out fresh against India, as M.S. Dhoni led team would be playing non-stop cricket in the build-up to the tournament.

"It should be a good series, but Indian players will be under pressure because they would be returning from series against England, Australia and South Africa and will have little time to rest before playing Pakistan. Pakistani team will come fresh," Bedi said.

The veteran cricketer, meanwhile, said the country has 'huge expectations' from Yuvraj Singh, but pointed that it would not be easy for him to make a comeback to the international cricket.

"Doctors and selectors will determine his physical fitness and his batting and cricketing form. If he is ready for the international series, my prayers are with him," he said.

Comments

Bedi has gone mad , he must

Bedi has gone mad , he must not forget that when 26/11 happened England were touring India and were supposed to stay at Taj Hotel where Ajmal Kasab killed several indians, they came here to cause death and pain and have loved to see that England tour was cancelled.
There are several pakistani players whose family relations were killed in Kashmir while trying to kill indians, remember those indian killed by pakistani terrorist are alo fans of Doni and team india, and it is atleast Doni and co dould do to give respect to those who support them by boycotting the cricket with pakistan until and unless Pakistan acts against terrorst.
if we resume cricket ties then pakis will thing we have forgotten 26/11 and will again plan some thing again and of course they will plan something there is no doubt. PCB and Paki players pay taxes to Pak Govt which Pak Govt uses for funding terrorist to inidia. Therefore literally by playing bi-lateral series with pakis were are funding ISI and other terror organisation which will in the end the same Indian Fans who support Doni and co, therefore indirectly we are paying to kill Inidans and this should stop.

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