Mumbai: Former India cricketer V.V.S Laxman has supported the restoration of India-Pakistan bilateral cricket ties saying he sees no problem in India hosting the neighbours.
“When Pakistan toured India for three ODIs and two T20s (2012-13), the crowds really loved it. It is on par with the Ashes. The crowd always looks forward to India playing Pakistan. I don’t see any problem in India hosting Pakistan,” said Laxman at a panel discussion of Ceat Cricket Rating awards here in Mumbai.
Former wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani also felt that if other factors don’t permit, the two neighbours should play at neutral venue in Asia.
“The best thing to start bilateral relations to have India-Pakistan series at a neutral venue. It will be a wonderful opportunity for those Asian countries to see top two teams of Asia play one another and that would be a source of inspiration,” said Kirmani, who was conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli was declared Ceat International Cricketer of the Year for second straight year, while off-spinner R. Ashwin, the fastest Indian bowler to reach 100 Test wickets was named Indian Player of the Year. Opener Shikhar Dhawan was named the International Player of the Year.
“It’s good to see an Indian (Kohli) win the main award again and that he has won it for the second time at such a young age should inspire other youngsters also to win the coveted award,” said former
India skipper and chief adjudicator of Ceat Cricket Rating, Sunil Gavaskar.
Having worked really hard in the concluded domestic season, Robin Uthappa, who was also the Orange Cap holder in the IPL, was expectedly named the Domestic Cricket of the Year.
“This award signals I am on the right track. There is still a long way to go. I have been working hard with my coach and results are showing,” said Uthappa.
