Appoint Sachin Tendulkar as peace ambassador, says Rashid Latif

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called on cricket authorities in India to appoint Sachin Tendulkar as a peace ambassador to improve ties between the two countries.

"Tendulkar is a cricket icon not only in India but also in Pakistan. There is a lot of respect for him in our country. He can play a big role in removing misunderstandings and distrust among the people of both the countries," Latif told PTI in an interview.

Latif, whose family migrated to Pakistan during partition, said that the cricket boards of both countries had failed to realise how important role the iconic cricketers can play in promoting peace and improving relations.

"I would definitely like to see someone like Tendulkar convinced to take on the role of a peace ambassador and come to Pakistan," Latif said.

The former wicketkeeper-batsman said the iconic players, who were respected and admired by people of both the nations, should be given a greater role as peace ambassadors.

"Imagine if someone like Tendulkar comes to Pakistan and talks about peace and friendship or conveys the feelings of the Indian people, it will lead to so much positive vibe and goodwill," Latif stated.

Tendulkar, who is playing his final international match in the ongoing Test against the West Indies in Mumbai, made his Test debut in Karachi at the age of 16 and has toured Pakistan several times.

Latif said whenever he had played against Tendulkar or met him he had found the legendary batsman to be a very humble person.

"Cricket has always played its role in bringing the two countries closer and who can forget the goodwill and friendship that the 2004 series generated when India came to Pakistan," he said.

Latif said while fierce competition and tension exited when two teams compete against each other, relationship between the players had always been cordial.