On Wednesday, former Pakistan fast bowler, Shoaib Akhtar suggested hosting a three-match ODI series against arch-rivals India to raise funds for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the neighboring countries. Both nations have not played a full-series since 2013 due to the terrorist attacks on India by Pakistan-based outfits which resulted in the enhancement of diplomatic tension. They only play each other in ICC events and Asia Cup.

During a chat with PTI from Islamabad, Akhtar said, “In this time of crisis, I want to propose a three-match series in which for the first time, the people of neither country would be upset at the outcome of the games. If Virat (Kohli) scores a hundred, we will be happy, if Babar Azam scores a hundred, you will be happy. Both teams will be winners irrespective of whatever happens on the field.”

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He further elaborated, “You are bound to get massive viewership for the games. For the first time, both countries will play for each other. And whatever funds are generated through this can be donated equally to the government of India and Pakistan to fight this pandemic.”

With both countries is going through a lockdown amid the fast-spreading pandemic, the matches can only be taking place when things improve. However, Akhtar reckons the sooner they are held, the better it would be but could not tell how the logistics of such an initiative would be worked out.

Former pacer explained, “Maybe not now when things start improving, the games could be organized at a neutral location like Dubai. Chartered flights could be arranged and the matches could be held. It could even lead to a resumption of bilateral cricketing ties and relations of both countries improve diplomatically. The whole world will tune into it, so much money can be raised to deal with this crisis. In difficult times, the character of the nation comes forward.”

In these extraordinary times, Akhtar feels both countries should help each other. He has spent a lot of time in India as a commentator and recalled his time in  Mumbai during the World T20 in 2016.

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Shoaib added, “I am forever grateful for the love I have received from the people of India. For the first time I am revealing this, whatever I used to earn from India, I made a significant amount there, thirty percent of it, I used to distribute among the low income staff who used to work with me on the TV.”