KARACHI, Dec 1: Former great Wasim Akram on Monday called on India not to break cricketing ties with Pakistan, suggesting both countries should instead play a Test match in terrorist-hit Mumbai to show solidarity.

The former Pakistan cricket captain made his remarks amid unconfirmed reports that the Indian government has denied its cricket team permission to tour Pakistan early next year following last week’s attacks on Mumbai which left more than 170 dead.

“Cricket is not on anyone’s mind at the moment, but after three to four days both the countries must take a positive step. I suggest Pakistan and India play a Test in Mumbai so to give a clear message that we will not give in,” Wasim said.

“India is like a second home for me, so whatever has happened there has hurt everyone in Pakistan including me,” said Wasim, who holds the world record of most one-day wickets with 502. “But if this hits our relations and cricket, it would mean that we have given in to terrorists.”

He cited his own experiences when captaining Pakistan on a tour of India in 1999 despite threats from Hindu fundamentalists, playing the first cricket series between the two countries after a decade-long deadlock due to political tension.

“Cricket means everything in the sub-continent. It has built bridges and has averted wars on several occasions. People love and worship cricket, so it would be a great loss if cricket is halted. I hope it isn’t,” Wasim said.

India had been scheduled to play three Tests, five One-day Internationals and a Twenty20 match during a five-week tour from Jan 4 to Feb 19.

The tour was first put in doubt last month when the Indian government refused its national junior hockey team permission to visit Pakistan due to security concerns.

If India cancel their tour, it would be the latest in a string of recent blows to cricket in Pakistan caused by terrorism fears.

Australia cancelled a Test tour of Pakistan in March and the International Cricket Council postponed the high-profile Champions Trophy there in September due to security concerns caused by Islamic militant activity.

Wasim said the Mumbai attacks have derailed the peace process between long-time rivals India and Pakistan.

“A week ago our President [Asif Ali Zardari] was suggesting there should be no visas for travelling between the two countries and suddenly we have this tragic incident and the whole thing is derailed,” Wasim said.

Meanwhile, Zaheer Abbas, another former Pakistan captain, fears his country will be left in the international sporting wilderness.

“We will be like orphans in international cricketing community,” Zaheer said.

“Already most of the Test playing countries are not touring Pakistan and if India does not come it will be worst for us.

“I think the Asian countries which are part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) should stand united in this hour of need and should continue playing the bilateral series,” he added.

The PCB is also considering an option of shifting the January series against India to a neutral venue in case.

“It will set a wrong precedent and moreover it will be a huge financial loss for the PCB,” Zaheer said.

Pakistan had earlier played Tests against Australia and the West Indies at Colombo and Sharjah in 2002, but PCB chairman Ijaz Butt said last week the home board incurred financial losses at that time.

“How could we inspire youngsters in our country if we play at a neutral venue?” Zaheer, who scored 108 first-class centuries, said. “We are placed at No 6 in the ICC Test rankings and the only way to improve is if we play more Test matches.”

Zaheer, who scored 12 centuries and 5,062 runs in 78 Tests, said it was high time that Pakistan started taking its own decisions.

“Look, we have banned all the players who are competing in the Indian Cricket League and our cricket is almost stuck with this security scenario,” he said.

Pakistan has suspended all 19 players including present cricketers — Rana Naved, Imran Farhat, Imran Nazir and Abdul Razzaq — for joining the unsanctioned, rebel ICL in India.

“We should start taking our own decisions and lift suspension on ICL players,” Zaheer said.

“By doing so we will make our team stronger in international cricket.”—Agencies