Wasim Akram hopes India say 'yes' for series with Pakistan

India and Pakistan are likely to play a short limited-overs series in Sri Lanka if the Indian government gives the green signal.
 Legendary bowler Wasim Akram said he was hoping for a nod from the Indian government so that the proposed bilateral series between India and Pakistan could go ahead.
Chances are the two arch-rivals will play a short limited-overs series in Sri Lanka sometime this month. But the BCCI indicated on Wedneday that the matches should start no later than December 18 as the Indian team has to embark on tour of Australia in the first week of January. Pakistan also travel to New Zealand around the same time.
The much-hyped series was initially scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates but the Indian board refused to send its team to the Middle East. Pakistan subsequently turned down an invitation to play in India, citing safety concerns after the Shiv Sena interrupted a meeting between PCB boss Shaharyar Khan and top-ranking BCCI officials.
Hopes were raised on the resumption of bilateral cricket ties after a short meeting between the Prime Ministers of both countries in Paris last week. India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is currently in Pakistan and the PCB hopes for a green signal this week.
"Of course, I am waiting for India's "yes" on the series and I am as keen as millions of fans across both the borders.
"The decision is pending with the Indian government and I feel the series should happen because it can help strengthen friendship between the two countries," said Akram, who had led Pakistan on the 1999 tour of India.
Akram has been a regular visitor to India even after he retired from international cricket. He has been actively involved in commentary duties and was on the coaching staff of the Kolkata Knight Riders. The former Pakistan captain said politics and cricket should be kept away from each other.