Indo-Pak cricket rivalry bigger than Ashes: Waqar

Karachi-Routers, Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis has called for the resumption of Indo-Pak cricket ties, saying that a contest between the archrivals is more significant than the Ashes.
"The most important thing for Pakistan is the revival of our contests with India, which is also beneficial for the entire cricketing world. The rivalry [between India and Pakistan] is more important than the Ashes," the Dawn quoted Waqar, as telling media persons.
Pakistan, considered underdogs before the start of the 2011 World Cup, made it to the last four stage of the tournament before their campaign ended in a 29-run defeat at the hands of India in the semi final clash at Mohali on March 30.
"Though Pakistan reached the World Cup semi-final, we have not been playing international matches at home [since March 2009], which is worrying for us. And [therefore] a bilateral series against India can revive international cricket in Pakistan," said Waqar.
Referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani's March 30 visit to India to watch the high voltage Indo-Pak encounter on the invitation of his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh, Waqar said that cricket had yet again worked as a bridge, bringing both countries closer during the World Cup.
"The prime ministers of the two countries met each other due to the Mohali semi-final," he said, adding, "More such activities between India and Pakistan can bring their people further closer to each other."
Waqar also noted that the Pakistan team getting welcomed on arriving home, despite losing the crucial World Cup semi-final match to India, was a new tradition.
"Though the people were disappointed after we lost the semi-final, they welcomed us because the team played good cricket in the group matches and the quarter-final," he said.