The Chairman of Dubai Cricket Council (DDC) Abdul Rahman Falaknaz has expressed his eagerness on hosting the bilateral series between India and Pakistan in the future. The bilateral series between India and Pakistan have been suspended due to political tensions between the two neighbours. The two arch-rivals only play against each other in global or continental events.
“The best thing would be to get India-Pakistan matches here. When Sharjah used to host India and Pakistan all those years ago, it was like a war. But it was a good war, it was a sporting war and it was fantastic,” Falaknaz was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.
Falaknaz also recalled the time when late Bollywood actor Raj Kapoor, during an awards night in Dubai, expressed his happiness for hosting India and Pakistan cricket matches. He hoped that cricket would help in bringing the two countries closer.
“I remember Raj Kapoor came once with his family. During the awards night, he took the mic and said, ‘how wonderful it is to have these India-Pakistan battles in Sharjah. Cricket brings people together, cricket has brought us together and let us remain this way,” he said.
“So, this is what we would like to do. If we can convince India to come and play here against Pakistan once a year or twice a year, it would be fantastic.”
The DDC chief also invited the BCCI to organize more IPL matches in Dubai and said that the UAE has already successfully hosted leagues in the past. He is now looking forward to hosting India-Pakistan matches in Dubai and will try to convince his friends in the BCCI.
“I am very proud because the UAE as a whole and especially Dubai in particular hosts anything to the best. And of course, T20 World Cup is also a sign of good organization. I would say we are lucky to be an alternative to India. I am looking forward to hosting more India-Pakistan matches in Dubai. I will try and convince my friends in the BCCI for the same. If they are ready to play Pakistan, we will be more than happy to offer our venue,” Falaknaz added.
