Faislabad Wolves and Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq made a measured case for bilateral cricketing ties between Pakistan and India to re-start whenever possible, stressing that players, particularly from his side of the border had always been well received in India and were keen for matches between the neighbours to resume at the earliest Speaking after the Wolves had chalked up a face-saving 10-run win over Sri Lanka’s Kandurata Maroons in their final qualifying game of the Champions League T20 tournament at the PCA Stadium here on Friday, Misbah said, “Both India and Pakistan fans, and we as players miss it a great deal.”
Pointing out that the cross-border rivalry was on its way to becoming the most popular across the globe, the 39-year-old, who wound up his campaign with an unbeaten 93 on the day said, “Pakistan-India cricket is the most watched in the world. I think it is one thing that makes you feel sad that we don’t play each other.”
Misbah emphasised that Pakistan’s players missed playing in India. “I think we always enjoy ourselves here in India. The atmosphere here, the pitches here are good, very sporting.
“Just as the way people enjoy it, we also enjoy playing here in India. The way the enthusiasm is there for the Pakistan team, that makes us feel good.
“I am looking forward that as soon as possible these matches resume, that will be good for cricket, for the players and for both the countries.”
On the crowd’s support for him and his team, Misbah felt, “Whoever came here, they supported us. They supported Faisalabad and especially me. It is good to see. Obviously, it is the qualifying round, so not many people were at the ground. But when the main matches of the Champions League start, then the way people like cricket here, all the stadiums will be full.”