Akram says thrill, fun and pressure generated in Indo-Pak matches 'unmatched'

Islamabad, Jun 1(ANI): Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said the thrill, fun and the pressure that is created during an India-Pakistan match is simply unmatched, and added that Sialkot Stallions' participation in this year's Champions League Twenty20 will be good for the recommencement of cricketing ties between both neighbours.

"Knowing the kind of talent in Pakistan and especially in Sialkot, Indian fans will now enjoy watching their style of play. I think Sialkot's participation is crucial to future bilateral ties between India and Pakistan," The Daily Times quoted Akram, as saying.

"I hope Sialkot's participation will set the ball rolling. It will have a great effect on the trust levels between the two nations," he added.

According to reports, the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are discussing the possibility of fitting in either three ODIs or two ODIs and a Twenty20 match between December 23 and January 10, and Akram believes it is welcome development.

"This is great news from the broadcasters' point of view. The thrill, the fun and the pressure that an India-Pakistan match can generate is simply unmatched," Akram said.

Both the BCCI and the PCB recently used the Indian Premier League (IPL) platform to discuss the resumption of cricketing ties between the two nations, and Akram hailed the positive step forward.

Akram said: "The talks between the two boards have started on a positive note. Ashraf's coming to watch the IPL final is a good start to end the bitterness between the neighbours. (ANI)