CT clash will improve Indo-Pak relations: PCB by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Event:

ICC Champions Trophy 2009/10

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DateLine: 16th September 2009

 

Pakistan Cricket Baord is hoping that the Champions Trohpy encounter with India would help in improving bilateral relationship.

 

"I just hope the Pakistani and Indians living in South Africa take the match as a sport and there is no bitterness from it," Wasim Bari, Chief Operating Officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board, said today.

 

"The final outcome must be accepted sportingly and I hope the expatriates and visitors from both the countries enjoy the match only as a sport and nothing more," he added.

 

The match is scheduled at Centurion on September 26.

 

This ODI would be the first between the two nations after the Mumbai terror attacks in November last year, which strained the bilateral relationship.

 

The Indian government did not allow its cricketers to travel Pakistan earlier this year for a scheduled Test series, while the latter also stopped their players from appearing in the Indian Premier League.

 

"It is a good opportunity for people of both countries to come together and enjoy a good cricket contest. The match can also serve to improve relations and remove any distrust. This is a sport and the result should be accepted sportingly," said Bari, who is also a former captain.

 

Bari said the PCB had not asked for any extra security for their cricketers for that particular match.

 

"We are confident the organisers know what is required because Pakistan and India have played three big matches in South Africa before and they went smoothly," he said.