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Two former spy chiefs of India and Pakistan, Amarjit Singh Dulat, the former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and General (retd) Ehsanul Haq, the former director general of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), have urged the two countries to resume playing cricket in order to strengthen diplomatic ties.
At a talk organised by South Asia Centre, London School of Economics' (LSE) Pakistan Development Society and the South Asia Future Forum in London, the two former spy chiefs agreed that cricket can serve as a peacemaker and can be helpful for the national interest of both countries.
According to Geo News, both spy chiefs said that the resumption of dialogue is much needed between the two countries. "India and Pakistan should play cricket to give relief to their people and reduce tension."
Others who took part in the discussion at LSE include Rahul Roy Chaudhry, Aamir Ghauri, Dr Mukulika Banerjee and Omar Bhatti.
India hasn't played a full-fledged bilateral series against Pakistan since the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai.
However, the arch-rivals have played in mega ICC events, with their last encounter being the Champions Trophy finale on Jun 18, 2017 where Pakistan beat India by 180 runs, winning en route their maiden title.
IMAGE: India captain Virat Kohli celebrates a wicket
Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images