Want to restore Indo-Pak cricket: Zaheer

The newly elected ICC President, Zaheer Abbas has said that despite being elevated to a ceremonial post he will do his best to revive India and Pakistan bilateral cricket series.

“Being in a ceremonial post does not mean I can’t do anything. I love this game and in the next one year I want to contribute something to world cricket,” the former Test captain told PTI.

“I want to play a role in helping revive Indo-Pak cricket matches because the people of both countries want for matches to take place and having regular bilateral ties is also necessary for the sport’s global image.” Zaheer said, reports The Hindu.

“I know it is not an easy task because Indo-Pak cricket ties are ruled by political relations between the two countries.”

“But I want to do something in this direction because if we have regular bilateral ties it is good for players and people of both countries,” he added.

Zaheer, who is very popular in India and also married a Bollywood actress, said the world follows Indo-Pak matches passionately.

“Having India and Pakistan matches is something close to my heart and I will do my best to make it happen.”

Zaheer, who was known as the “Asian Bradman” for his batting exploits, said as ICC President he also wanted to play a role in the globalisation of the game.

“Cricket has to be globalised further and it should become popular in many more countries,” he added.

He pointed out that cricket was becoming more global now with the growing popularity of T20 cricket and the presence of Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankan expatriates in nearly every country of the world.

Zaheer said his cricket career had come full circle after he took over as President of the ICC in Barbados.

“I felt so proud and everyone gave so much respect to me I felt over the moon,” he said.

Zaheer the only Asian to score 100 first class centuries said he felt proud when everyone addressed him as Mr. President.

“I am what I am because of Pakistan and I feel very good about representing Pakistan in the ICC for the next one year.”