World Cricket Wants Pak-India Rivalry To Resume: Abdul Razzaq

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2016 ) : Former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq hopes that easing tensions between Pakistan and India would help restore international cricket between the two rivals at the earliest.

According to firstpost.com, Razzaq- recently appointed as the Assistant/Bowling Coach by Quetta Gladiators for the second season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) said, "sports have always enhanced friendship between the two nations and I believe it can do it again." "The tension on the border needs to end and the two countries need to live side by side in a friendly and cordial environment." "Given the continued tension on the border it makes it very difficult to play cricket in such an atmosphere but I hope the tensions ease and India versus Pakistan cricket resumes." Speaking about the Pakistan-Australia upcoming Test series, he said that Australia isn't the team it used to be.

"Despite the setback in New Zealand, Pakistan is not a bad Test team. I think the wickets in Australia will be truer than the ones Pakistan encountered in New Zealand and the wickets should be more to the liking of the Pakistanis," he said.

"The ball comes onto the bat nicely in Australia and that should encourage the Pakistan batsmen to play more positively. I am hopeful that Pakistan can challenge Australia and win at least one Test there." Responding to a question regarding Pakistan not producing pace-bowling all-rounders, he said that Pakistan Cricket board (PCB) needs to seek out former cricketers like myself to help in this regard.

"If we were allowed to work with players at the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 levels then there is no reason why we cannot produce genuine pace-bowling all-rounders," he said. He said he believes that whoever is entrusted in a coaching role should leave his ego behind and ensure that his focus is solely on helping the players.

"It doesn't matter how big a star you were in your playing days or how many matches you won for your country, your aim should be to help and pass your experience to the players," he said. APP/vad/qmr