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'Playing regular bilateral series can help reduce the tensions in Indo-Pak relations'

September 05, 2015 20:21 IST

England's Alastair Cook and Australia's Michael Clarke at the toss

IMAGE: Virat Kohli with Misbah-ul Haq. Photograph: Reuters

Amid a cloud of uncertainty over resumption of Indo-Pak cricketing ties, Pakistan's coach Waqar Younis has said he is optimistic about a bilateral series in December and firmly believes regular cricket can help reduce tensions between the two countries. 

"I remain optimistic that this series will take place because I firmly believe that playing regular bilateral series can help reduce the tensions in the relations between the two countries," Waqar said. The former fast bowler said it was unfortunate for both teams that they had not played a Test match against each other since 2007. 

"More than anything the fact that we have not played a test in the last eight years is really disappointing," he said. 

"The present situation between both countries means the coming series is in danger but I remain hopeful that eventually the series will happen in December," he said. 

"If the series doesn't take place it would be most unfortunate for cricket on a whole because everyone wants to watch an Indo-Pak match.

"But I think this is the best chance now for both countries to resume bilateral cricket matches," he added.

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