Asif Iqbal's plea to BCCI

DUBAI, MARCH 24. Asif iqbal, Coordinator of the Cricketers Benefit Fund Series (CBFS) and former Pakistani skipper, has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send the Indian team on a tour of Pakistan early next year. Iqbal, who was recently made the Ambassador of cricket and is also an influential personality in the International Cricket Council (ICC), however, told Gulf Today that the request had been made in his personal capacity.

On being queried about the reason behind his request, he said ``sports is an ideal bridge to ease the tension between the two countries''. Iqbal said he would look forward to the acceptance of his request by the BCCI. ``Pakistan has toured India and now it is India's turn to tour Pakistan'', he said.

Iqbal recalled the warm welcome accorded by Indian fans to the Pakistani team and said Indian cricketers would get 10 times more affection in Pakistan.

India last toured Pakistan for a Test series under the captaincy of K. Srikkanth in 1989-90 while the Pakistani team last toured India for a two-match series and the Asian Test championship early last year.

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