October 25, 2003	Saturday	Sha’aban 28, 1424

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LAHORE, Oct 24: Former Test captain Intikhab Alam has welcomed the prospect of revival of cricket ties between Pakistan and India but added that activities should be extended to school and club level also instead of merely confining it to national senior and junior teams.

Talking to Dawn on Friday, Intikhab said that sanity had finally prevailed which led the Indian government to revive sporting ties with Pakistan.

Intikhab, veteran of 47 Tests, pointed out that it was now the responsibility of the Indian government to ensure the resumption setting aside all political issues.

The former skipper and manager, stated that Indian government should snub those political parties who were threatening to disrupt Pakistan-India matches in Mumbai.

He added that cricket in Asia would be really promoted and matches between the two neighbours would be mutually beneficial to both countries as sponsorships would generate a lot of revenue for both of them.

Intikhab  suggested  that the  winner  of Indian domestic premier tournament Ranjhi Trophy and the Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Trophy should exchange visit on annual basis.

The winner of the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy should play in the Indian domestic cricket and in the next year the  Indian’s  winner  in Pakistan.

He  said that visit at club and school levels could be a  very effective medium in strengthening cricketing ties as it would really increase people to people contact to further improve relations.

India are scheduled to tour Pakistan early next year after a long period of 14 years.