India and Pakistan should play more matches: Shoaib Malik

The world is waiting for the epic clash between India and Pakistan to begin in the upcoming Asia Cup. They haven’t played each other since the final of the Champions Trophy last year in England. Due to the strained political relations, both the teams are yet to play a bilateral series since 2012 and face off only in the ICC events and Asia Cup. However, the veteran Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik feels that both the teams should play each other more often which will improve the relations across the border.

The Men in Green had won the game famously last year by a massive margin of 180 runs to triumph in what proved to be the last edition of Champions Trophy. In the upcoming tournament, they are expected to face twice and possibly thrice if both the teams qualify for the final. After a host of matches this month, there will be again no games until the World Cup next year again in England.

Both team’s players are professional

Shoaib Malik, when asked about the marquee class, was clear in his mind and believed that his team has to take as just any other game as there is a lot at stake. As a professional, one has to approach this encounter normally which will not let the pressure take over your mind.

He was also of the opinion that the players from both the teams are professionals and they know how to behave on and off the field. The veteran of 266 ODIs also revealed that the cricketers have meals together when there are no matches. “India and Pakistan should play more matches. Because people from both countries travel between the countries when bi-lateral series happens, it helps in uniting the people.”

“Both team’s players are professionals and they know how to behave on the field and off the field. When we are not playing against each other, we are having meals together and that is how it should be, not only with India-Pakistan but with other teams also,” Malik was quoted as saying by Pak Passion. The arch-rivals will lock horns on September 19 in what will be the first match between them in more than a year.

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