Afridi for resumption of Indo-Pak bilateral cricket series

Lahore, Jun.11 (ANI): Following coach Waqar Younis' call for resumption of bilateral cricket series between India and Pakistan, skipper Shahid Afridi also wants more encounters with the arch rivals.

Afridi said India and Pakistan must play against each other more often, which would help in toning down the heightened tension between the two neighbouring nations.

"I have always enjoyed playing against India and I have been saying we should play more often against each other as it will only help improve relations," The Nation quoted Afridi, as saying.

Pakistan and India last played in the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa in September 2009.

The newly appointed captain added that he was eagerly looking forward to the match against India in the Asia Cup, starting June 15 in Sri Lanka.

Afridi, however, pointed out that Pakistan's opening match against Sri Lanka would also hold great importance.

"Certainly, the event will not be easy and the team would have to start it on a winning note to lift its morale. As a captain I would try my every bit to cash in on every opportunity to win," he said.

Earlier, Waqar had also lamented the lack of bilateral series between India and Pakistan.

"I want to see the two teams revive bilateral cricket ties and for now I am eagerly awaiting their clash in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka," Waqar had said.

"It should be a great match as any contest between the two teams produces top quality cricket. It is unfortunate we are not playing against each other more often as Indo-Pak matches are watched by people all over the world and they are great for the sport," he added.

India and Pakistan are scheduled to fight it out on June 20 in Dambulla. (ANI)