Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Sharat Sabharwal has said that revival of India-Pakistan cricket is a step forward to improve relations with the two countries.
“It is a good omen that this series will be played later this year with the visit of Pak team to India and we believe this event will help in improving relations between the two countries”, he told news men after a meeting with Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohammad Zaka Ashraf here on Friday at Gadaffi stadium.
Before his meeting with the PCB Chief, the Indian High Commissioner visited the National cricket academy and went around its various sections.
To a question, Sharat Sabharwal expressed the optimism that maximum number of spectators will be issued visas to visit India to watch the matches. He refused to a give a specific number of visas to be issued to the cricket fans but gave a firm assurance that maximum number of spectators will be accommodated.
“We are looking into this matter and we will decide this issue on priority basis “, he said. Answering a question, he said, top security will be provided to the Pak team during its visit to India. He said he was very impressed to see the facilities under one roof at NCA and he was delighted to see the trophies and medals earned by former Pakistani greats of the game in the past. He praised the efforts of Pakistan Cricket Board and Board of Control for Cricket in India for re-starting cricket ties.
The Indian High Commissioner while answering a question said that he would take up the matter of granting visas to the Pakistani spectators who will be visiting India to watch the World Cup Kabaddi tournament next month. Chairman PCB ,Zaka Ashraf thanked the Indian High Commissioner for visiting PCB headquarters and to discuss various aspects of the coming Pak-India series.
“I think the signals from Indian side are very positive as far as issue of giving visas to the Pakistani spectators is concerned, “he said adding, I am confident that this issues will be finalized soon and a good number of Pakistanis will be crossing the border to watch the series“.
