Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has welcomed Indian Union Minister Shashi Tharoor's suggestion that cricket series between the arch-rivals could be organised in a neutral venue like USA.
Miandad told Indian news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) on Sunday that he would suggest formation of a common cricket council featuring the great players from both India and Pakistan to assist the restoration of bilateral cricket ties.
"If Tharoor means what he has said then it is a welcome and positive sign coming from an Indian minister because Pakistan has never said no to bilateral cricket ties with India," Miandad said.
Miandad, who is also PCB's Director-General (Cricket Operations), said that he would love to see both countries playing cricket anywhere, including the USA.
"Formation of such a common council with former greats would highlight the role of cricket in normalising ties between both countries. It will also ease pressure on the governments and help diffuse the current tension," Miandad said.
Miandad said that he had always stated the sports and the politics should not be mixed up.
"Unfortunately whenever there is tension between the governments cricket was affected the most, although this sport has played big role in encouraging people to people contacts and removing apprehension and misunderstanding between the people," he said.
