Mohammad Yousuf Downplays Importance of India-Pakistan Series

Former Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf cannot understand the fuss around the proposed cricket series against India as he feels that apart from filling up Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) coffers, it would hardly make a difference to either of the two countries or to the world. (India Won't Play With Us: Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Shahryar Khan)

"I don't know what the fuss is all about. Even if Pakistan and India don't play, it is not going to affect world cricket nor the cricket of both countries," Yousuf told PTI in an interview. (Can't Play Cricket With Pakistan When People Are Dying On Border: BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur)

"All this talk about Indo-Pak cricket series being essential for world cricket and for both countries doesn't make sense to me. As it is we have not been playing regularly for years now and yet it has not affected our cricket," he stated. (World Cricket Loses Nothing if India, Pakistan Don't Play a Bilateral Series: Sunil Gavaskar)

Yousuf said throughout his playing days only between 2004 to 2007 did he see regular bilateral cricket between the two countries.

"Otherwise historically there have always been long gaps between the two countries. And it has not stopped the progress of either Pakistan or Indian cricket. We have survived well and if we don't play against each other it doesn't mean international cricket will stop," he said.

He said the PCB should be honest enough to say they want to play India desperately because it would earn a lot of revenues for them.

"I just see the financial angle as the reason for pushing for the series. And as far as I know the PCB is financially well off given the number of well-paid employees they have on their payroll, the perks and benefits enjoyed by their senior officials and the lavish spending and travel of the board people."

"So I would advise the PCB to stop talking about the significance and necessity for playing with India as it would boost world cricket."

He said the PCB should instead be focusing on improving its domestic cricket structure.

"The fact that we are going to have the Pakistan Super League shows we don't have any financial problems. It is another thing just how this event will benefit the domestic level players in the long run."

Meanhwile, Pakistan's former Test captain and great Javed Miandad said he had no doubt that neither the Indian government nor their board were interested in playing Pakistan.

"They are just using delaying tactics. How can any country tell a host country where it should host its matches. I don't see any benefit for us if we agree to play a hurriedly arranged series, we need to realise that the self-respect of Pakistan cricket is paramount above every other consideration."

Miandad, who toured India as a player and coach several times, recalled that whenever the Pakistan team went to India or the Indians came to Pakistan it was because their government wanted this to happen.

"I remember in 1999 we went there despite strong opposition from some of their parties but their government wanted us to tour so the series went ahead in tense circumstances. This time their government does not want us to play so the series will not happen."