Cricket can bring India-Pakistan closer: Azhar Mahmood
4 May 2012 8:27 PM GMT
Pakistani all-rounder Azhar Mahmood feels that cricket could help normalise the relations between India and Pakistan, saying the game has no boundaries.
Mahmood, who now has a British passport and only Pakistani player playing in the IPL-V, said in the past the game has brought closer the two nations and it can happen again.
'In 1997, when we toured, there was tension between the two nations. After that tour, tensions eased and the situation improved. The game has no boundary. In the past, it has been cricket which has brought the two nations together and in future too I hope the sport will play the same role,' Mahmood, who plays for Kings XI Punjab, said.
The cricketing ties between the two neighbours are suspended since the Mumbai terror attack in 2008.
'I hope the tensions between the two countries ease and like two good neighbours we live together and move forward, which is good for every single Pakistani and Indian as well.We want peace,' he said.
Mahmood was not interested in talking in detail about the tainted fast bowler Mohammad Aamir but said the youngster can learn from that episode.
'I don't want to talk this stuff. I have no idea if they will allow him to play again. But youngsters can learn (from his experience)..its (a lesson) for all cricketers to think about that and learn,' he said.
Mahmood, who faced visa problems earlier to come to India, said that was history now.
'The issue is over, done and dusted. It's been wonderful experience to play in IPL, where top players from around the world share the same dressing room. I am quite happy to be part of Kings XI Punjab and IPL,' Mahmood said in his first interview ever since his arrival to play in the cash-awash T20 tournament.
Asked how he rates the current Pakistani team, Mahmood, said, "The team has been playing good under Misbah-ul-Haq.
They haven't lost a series barring ODIs against England. The coach Dave Whatmore also knows the culture very well from his experience in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. I think Pakistani cricket is in safe hands."
Mahmood also said that he was not averse to the idea of turning out for Pakistan in future.
'I never said no to them. But it's in the air. It's bubble in the air, anything can happen, but nothing yet. I haven't got any opportunity. I want to play competitive cricket, which I am playing. I am just concentrating on playing what I have in hand.'
'But if opportunity comes my way, I will think about that,' he said, adding that at 37 he was not getting any younger and he will have to weigh his options as he was playing around the world from country cricket, to IPL to BPL.
Mahmood, who has helped his IPL team strike the right balance after his inclusion, said he was pleased about his and his team's performance.
'Everybody is chipping in with the ball and with the bat. We are placed at number four spot and if we can win 2-3 games, we have got really good chance to proceed further. Yes, I have heard many people say that after I joined the side, it has made the difference, which I am quite pleased with,' said the veteran.
Mahmood, who now has a British passport and only Pakistani player playing in the IPL-V, said in the past the game has brought closer the two nations and it can happen again.
'In 1997, when we toured, there was tension between the two nations. After that tour, tensions eased and the situation improved. The game has no boundary. In the past, it has been cricket which has brought the two nations together and in future too I hope the sport will play the same role,' Mahmood, who plays for Kings XI Punjab, said.
The cricketing ties between the two neighbours are suspended since the Mumbai terror attack in 2008.
'I hope the tensions between the two countries ease and like two good neighbours we live together and move forward, which is good for every single Pakistani and Indian as well.We want peace,' he said.
Mahmood was not interested in talking in detail about the tainted fast bowler Mohammad Aamir but said the youngster can learn from that episode.
'I don't want to talk this stuff. I have no idea if they will allow him to play again. But youngsters can learn (from his experience)..its (a lesson) for all cricketers to think about that and learn,' he said.
Mahmood, who faced visa problems earlier to come to India, said that was history now.
'The issue is over, done and dusted. It's been wonderful experience to play in IPL, where top players from around the world share the same dressing room. I am quite happy to be part of Kings XI Punjab and IPL,' Mahmood said in his first interview ever since his arrival to play in the cash-awash T20 tournament.
Asked how he rates the current Pakistani team, Mahmood, said, "The team has been playing good under Misbah-ul-Haq.
They haven't lost a series barring ODIs against England. The coach Dave Whatmore also knows the culture very well from his experience in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. I think Pakistani cricket is in safe hands."
Mahmood also said that he was not averse to the idea of turning out for Pakistan in future.
'I never said no to them. But it's in the air. It's bubble in the air, anything can happen, but nothing yet. I haven't got any opportunity. I want to play competitive cricket, which I am playing. I am just concentrating on playing what I have in hand.'
'But if opportunity comes my way, I will think about that,' he said, adding that at 37 he was not getting any younger and he will have to weigh his options as he was playing around the world from country cricket, to IPL to BPL.
Mahmood, who has helped his IPL team strike the right balance after his inclusion, said he was pleased about his and his team's performance.
'Everybody is chipping in with the ball and with the bat. We are placed at number four spot and if we can win 2-3 games, we have got really good chance to proceed further. Yes, I have heard many people say that after I joined the side, it has made the difference, which I am quite pleased with,' said the veteran.
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