'We can take a chance' - Ramiz Raja feels India-Pakistan bilateral series could help ease the tension

The relations between neighbours India and Pakistan have turned sour with the passage of time. The stern relations have forced to a situation where both the nations have not been involved in a bilateral series since 2012. India and Pakistan– two heavyweights of the cricketing fraternity last played in a bilateral series in 2012 when India hosted Pakistan for two T20s and three ODIs.

Since then, the two countries have clashed only in ICC tournaments and Asia Cup matches. Many fans are still hopeful for a bilateral series between both the arch-rivals for witnessing an enthralling cut-throat contest. Former Pakistan player and cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja has also expressed his desire to witness a bilateral series between both the rivals.

In a recent YouTube video, Raja claimed that there’s unwanted pressure in cricket and organizing a series between both the countries could help in pacifying stern relations between both the nations.

“I don’t know why there is unwanted pressure in cricket. Through cricket, we can learn and understand each other. We need to take a chance. I am ready for an India-Pakistan series,” said Raja.

‘We need to take baby steps’: Ramiz Raja

Raja also reminisced 2004 series when India toured Pakistan. Raja revealed how fans of both countries were made to sit together in the stadium in order to ease off the friction. Hence, Raja wants to see another India-Pakistan series in the near future.

“We need to take baby steps. In the 2019 World Cup, the India-Pakistan match was a high point. The broadcasters, administrators need the India-Pakistan match. Fans need to push for the matches to be organised in a neutral venue,” added Raja.

Recently, Shoaib Akhtar had also voiced his opinion for organizing a bilateral series between India and Pakistan. The former Pakistan speedster felt that the bilateral series would have helped to raise amid the strenuous atmosphere of coronavirus pandemic. However, Akhtar’s suggestion did no go down well with fans as he was lambasted by many fans for his insensitive suggestion amid such testing times.