Thaindian News

Karachi, Mar 30(ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director General Javed Miandad is all praise for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for extending an invitation to his Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari to watch the World Cup semi-final clash, and urged both countries to take advantage of the much-hyped match to build bridges to overcome the differences in their frosty relationship.

“I have full praise for Mr Singh… I have always believed that people in both countries want to have friendlier ties and more understanding but at times circumstances have dictated something else,” the Dawn quoted the PCB official, as saying.

Miandad, who played 124 Tests and 233 one-day matches during his illustrious career, said it was a “golden opportunity” for both nations to increase mutual understanding two years after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 166 people and the suspension of bilateral peace talks.

“We should send a delegation including our former great sportsmen and women and some people from the entertainment industry as a gesture of goodwill towards Indian people, that’s how people of both countries will come close,” he said.

Miandad, who toured India as Pakistan team coach in 1999, pointed out that the game of cricket had again brought the arch rivals closer.

“I have always believed that cricket has that power and it is something that is a passion in both countries, and it can be used as a very positive tool to improve relations and remove misunderstandings,” he noted.

Miandad said that having former Pakistan captain Imran Khan doing commentary in India during the mega event was also a great help in boosting relations between both countries.

“Imran is very popular in India and I am sure his presence can improve people to people contact. He along with many other Pakistani cricketers are household names in India, so they can play a part,” said the PCB Director General.

Commenting on the possible outcome of the much-awaited Indo-Pak encounter, Miandad said: “It is tough to say who will win, but my heart says its Pakistan.”

“But Shahid Afridi and his men will have to play with lot of unity and withstand a lot of pressure to win the match and they are capable of doing this,” added the former skipper.

He also urged both teams to calm their fans, saying: “Players should appeal to fans not to overreact in case of their team is defeated. I also appeal to fans to take it as a game and not to show anger.” (ANI)