Don't let cricket suffer: Wasim

KARACHI (AFP) - Former great Wasim Akram Monday called on India not to break cricketing ties with Pakistan, suggesting both countries should instead play a test match in terrorist-hit Mumbai to show solidarity.
The former Pakistan cricket captain made his remarks amid reports that the Indian government has denied its cricket team permission to tour Pakistan early next year following last week's attacks on Mumbai which left more than 170 dead.
"Cricket is not on anyone's mind at the moment, but after three to four days both the countries must take a positive step. I suggest Pakistan and India play a Test in Mumbai so to give a clear message that we will not give in," Wasim told AFP.
"India is like a second home for me, so whatever has happened there has hurt everyone in Pakistan including me," said Wasim, who holds the world record of most one-day wickets with 502.
"But if this hits our relations and cricket, it would mean that we have given in to terrorists."
He cited his own experiences when captaining Pakistan on a tour of India in 1999 despite threats from Hindu fundamentalists, playing the first cricket series between the two countries after a decade-long deadlock due to political tension.