VVS Laxman calls for India-Pakistan cricket series

Retired cricketer VVS Laxman has lobbied for India-Pakistan cricket

Former India batsman VVS Laxman has said that an India-Pakistan series should be played sooner than later. Speaking at the Ceat Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai, he said that he sees no problem in India hosting the neighbours. Various other cricketers have also recently advocated an Indo-Pak series, including Wasim Akram.

Laxman said, "When Pakistan toured India for three ODIs and two T20s (2012-13), the crowds really loved it. It is on par with the Ashes. The crowd always looks forward to India playing Pakistan. I don’t see any problem in India hosting Pakistan."

Former India wicket keeper Syed Kirmani also supported the cause by adding, "The best thing to start bilateral relations to have India-Pakistan series at a neutral venue. It will be a wonderful opportunity for those Asian countries to see top two teams of Asia play one another and that would be a source of inspiration."

Here are the winners of Ceat Cricket Rating Awards.