E-Paper | October 01, 2026

Kapil Dev, Gavaskar, Sidhu and '92 champions invited to oath-taking ceremony: PTI

Fahad Chaudhry Published
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Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Central Additional Information Secretary Faisal Javed Khan said on Friday that Indian cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Navjot Sidhu have been invited to prime minister-in-waiting Imran Khan's impending oath-taking ceremony.

The 1992 World Cup-winning cricket team has also been invited to witness their captain take oath, Javed told DawnNewsTV.

According to Javed, the oath-taking will take place on August 18. However, no official notification confirming the development has been issued as yet.

A similar announcement regarding inviting Indian cricketers and celebrities to the ceremony had earlier been made by PTI Information Secretary Fawad Chaudhry. However, it was later said that Khan had opted for an austere ceremony and decided against inviting foreign dignitaries and celebrities to the planned oath-taking.

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AXH
Aug 10, 2018 05:35pm
Viv Richards and Ian Chappel should also have been invited.
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Harmony-1©
Aug 10, 2018 05:44pm
This is good. Hope these cricketers can set off good relations.
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RUMI
Aug 10, 2018 05:46pm
Indian celebrities are invited to attend the Pakistani PM's oath taking ceremony. How hilarious! India doesn't want our cricketers to visit India. They don't want to play cricket against Pakistan at all. Even Pakistan is the only nation in the cricket playing world whose cricketers are banned to participate in the IPL. And here we will offer red carpet welcome to them.
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Vishal Gaur
Aug 10, 2018 05:52pm
I strongly believe that instead of Cricketers, PTI should invite neighbor countries leaders.
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SHAHID SATTAR
Aug 10, 2018 05:52pm
Looks like a cricket match will be played between India and Pakistan during the inaugural session of our national assembly. And people will be clapping. Wah, wah!
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Khan
Aug 10, 2018 05:57pm
What about the poor ppl who voted him in power
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Shande
Aug 10, 2018 06:12pm
first of many Uturns in next 5 years.
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ahamed
Aug 10, 2018 06:21pm
By all means, invite IK's cricket connections because that is a real recognition of friendship including those from India. But make it fast as they have to make travel arrangements. A great gesture by incoming govt.
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Asif jamil
Aug 10, 2018 06:33pm
Invitation to Kapil, Gavaskar and Sidhu shows the friendships that exists between the people of the two nations. Unfortunately, politics keeps us apart, time now to resolve the issues and move on and live like friendly, peace loving neighbours.
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Ahmed
Aug 10, 2018 06:36pm
These guys have redefined the meaning of the word U Turn. Can't they make up their mind once and then move on to other things?
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad
Aug 10, 2018 06:47pm
Welcome to the real club and the genuine clubhouse in Islamabad, Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Keep it up and hang on tough.
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Leoman
Aug 10, 2018 06:57pm
Some sort of maturity must be exercised now. They are probably popular in one thing, they announce first and think and rethink later. As such rethinking is good but to announce first before thinking can not be called maturity. Moreover, oath taking should not be given much importance than the work which is always a missing factor by many leaders of Pakistan. Sensibility lies in avoiding pomp and show. Foreign guests handling and foreign visits by our dignitaries must be minimised to a larger extent. However, PTI has to show real difference if they are and we're against the norms adopted by previous leaders.
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WARRIs
Aug 10, 2018 06:58pm
Great news for people on both sides of the border. Well done and good start.
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A shah
Aug 10, 2018 07:17pm
U-turn after u-turn Please make up your mind Pakistan
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HRK
Aug 10, 2018 07:18pm
Ik can invite anyone he wants. In the US its common to invite family and friends for the oath taking.
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Taimur
Aug 10, 2018 07:19pm
Our cricketers are banned from IPL and our leaders are inviting Indian cricketers. Shameful indeed.
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fawad bhai
Aug 10, 2018 07:19pm
@RUMI so what? This is not about india or cricket. This is about Imran Khan and the people close to him.
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Ranjan Maheshwari
Aug 10, 2018 07:26pm
He is inviting sportsmen... Hope he would order spirit also to show "Sportsman Spirit"...
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Syed Ahmed
Aug 10, 2018 07:27pm
@RUMI is new era
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Muhib E Watan
Aug 10, 2018 07:28pm
Imran Khan should stand on his words for a simple ceremony without celebrates and outsiders. Only designated people plus 92 World Cup winner team.
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ajr
Aug 10, 2018 07:35pm
who is footing the bill of these dignitaries visiting Pakistan on IK's invitation?
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Desh bandhu Chopra
Aug 10, 2018 07:36pm
@RUMI Let past be past. A new start can be made anytime.
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Desh bandhu Chopra
Aug 10, 2018 07:37pm
Cricket diplomacy is best between India and Pakistan.
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AZAM AKBAR
Aug 10, 2018 07:44pm
@RUMI Mr. RUMI, Valid point. If Mr. Imran Khan is inviting the celebrities of the neighbour country he should not forget old and new celebrities of Pakistan inviting to the ceremony.
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Salim Khan
Aug 10, 2018 07:48pm
This is called a New Beginning.
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Ankush
Aug 10, 2018 07:49pm
@RUMI I think it is a good gesture. It should be appreciated and NOT criticized. Thank you
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M.A. Saeed
Aug 10, 2018 08:02pm
@Asif jamil Nicely said, Asif!
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M.A. Saeed
Aug 10, 2018 08:03pm
@Muhib E Watan So, you're now going to dictate what is 'simple' and what is not?
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Khalid Pervez
Aug 10, 2018 08:04pm
It would actually be nice if some poor people were invited but then whom, with so much poverty to choose from how would anyone choose. I just want this inauguration to be done with now so the man can focus on the challenges ahead! But to stretch out your hand to our foe at this early stage is hopefully a sign of good things to come! And it is a wonderful gesture to invite the 92 team which propelled him to where he is now!
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Brian
Aug 10, 2018 08:10pm
Sidhu has left for Pakistan long back.
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Harmony-1©
Aug 10, 2018 08:41pm
@RUMI - You are always spreading negative propaganda!
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Aamir raz
Aug 10, 2018 08:44pm
Run a country is different from playing a game. We have seen failed experience when zardari tried to run country on business basis. Hope sanity prevail.
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shami
Aug 10, 2018 08:50pm
Why Kapil dev?
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Nazir Ahmed
Aug 10, 2018 08:55pm
A nice gesture.
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Ahmad
Aug 10, 2018 09:00pm
I'm a fan of Khan and his PTI, but seriously, these guys really are U-turners.
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Philosopher (From Japan)
Aug 10, 2018 09:13pm
Bad precedent is being set. Next govt may invite thousands on the expenses of poor tax payers money. It’s our internal matter no need to create a hype out of nothing.
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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani
Aug 10, 2018 09:36pm
@RUMI - as usual, I find your comments biased and negative - grow up and be optimistic and come out of your dark mode!
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divakar
Aug 10, 2018 09:51pm
@WARRIs : Nothing great about it, just gimmicks.
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Amin
Aug 10, 2018 09:55pm
IK takes U turn on who invite for oath ceremony on serious national and international implications.. this can be disastrous
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Zulfiqar
Aug 10, 2018 09:59pm
Imran khan should have the ceremony held at fortress in Lahore and invite the poorest people from all over Pakistan. That will send the right message.
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Hamza
Aug 10, 2018 10:03pm
this u-turn word that people keep using is so annoying. what do you mean u-turn? plans can change, its normal, pml-n and ppp change their minds by the minute! stop framing this as some sort of an offence!
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ga
Aug 10, 2018 10:14pm
IK can invite at PTIs or his own expense. But dont use any public money for foreign security. Nation just cannot afford it. Perhaps in better times.
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Ahmed
Aug 10, 2018 10:19pm
Imran Khan should come out of cricket now and honour those people who have struggled with him during last 10 to 15 years.
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k k tiwari
Aug 10, 2018 10:26pm
@RUMI Agreed .I am from India and love to see Pak players in IPL too
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Lahori kid
Aug 10, 2018 10:27pm
@RUMI. Being hateful does not help anyone, besides, Imran Khan will not need your approval, neither will the Indian cricketers. So,, if you can't say anything positive, please, don't say anything at all. Do you know how many positive Indians have shown respect for Imran Khan and Pakistan, its because they want peace just like us Pakistanis. Unfortunately for you, you got much growing up to do.
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k k tiwari
Aug 10, 2018 10:31pm
Dont read much as this is too personal and no break through in Indo Pak relation ,will remain cool
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Lahori kid
Aug 10, 2018 10:31pm
To invite world leaders means spending unnecessary money on show boating, a few friends, few Pakistani leaders, family and friends,plus the people of Pakistan will witness it on TV, that's all you need, its an oath ceremony, not a Kings wedding. I do agree though that a few neighboring countries leaders should have been invited, but its not a given. Whats more important is to be able to sit down with world leaders and work out the differences and strengthen relations, thats where we need to invite the leaders.
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Irfan
Aug 10, 2018 10:46pm
@RUMI you again, grow up dude.
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capton
Aug 10, 2018 10:49pm
Good to see imran taking first step towards normalization. lets see india what india do. would happy if he invite viv richard too
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Adi
Aug 10, 2018 10:52pm
@Asif jamil how many times indians "friends" have invited pakistanis !
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Nil Swain
Aug 10, 2018 11:16pm
People become over emotional with everything. It will do absolutely nothing for the betterment on relationship between the two countries.Even if Mr. Modi is invited and he comes, that will amount to nothing as long as fundamental issues are not addressed.
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zorro
Aug 10, 2018 11:36pm
@RUMI - Two wrongs don't make a right!
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malik
Aug 10, 2018 11:36pm
He should have reached out to people who are the pillars of our Society.
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MA
Aug 10, 2018 11:38pm
Nice!
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Syed Rizvi.Canada.
Aug 11, 2018 12:02am
Please don't invite Modi. He is not welcome.
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Zeenat Ali Karachi
Aug 11, 2018 12:14am
Conflicting comments and confusion started from Day 1. Things are not looking good from the start, we only hope for the best.
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mirza nasir iqbal
Aug 11, 2018 12:21am
Mahtir mohd and his team only be invited , with reference to khan sab corruption free Pakistan agenda and mahtir current actions.
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Wajih Qidwai
Aug 11, 2018 12:26am
The first ever ceremony I would love to watch. The real heroes will be there
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Tamza
Aug 11, 2018 01:23am
Inauguration should be a VERY SIMPLE affair, just like your nikah - only the necessary people around. Perhaps on the floor of the national assembly. After some time invite various people as appropriate -- for example - invite the cricketeers to cricket events
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AW
Aug 11, 2018 02:08am
Great step by Imran Khan to invite the selected Indian cricketers to his oath taking ceremony. These sort of gestures are important and powerful for building bridges between both countries who have fought needless wars and continue to spend large amounts on weapons instead of spending the same money on education and social welfare of their people
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Zak
Aug 11, 2018 02:21am
@Asif jamil First resolve Kashmir as IK said. Until then don't talk about any interaction.
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Zak
Aug 11, 2018 02:22am
@Taimur Why should Pakistani players play in IPL. We have our own league.
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Nasser
Aug 11, 2018 02:34am
@AXH Very right
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MSA
Aug 11, 2018 03:40am
@Vishal Gaur Two different things!
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citizen
Aug 11, 2018 03:54am
I hope PTI will first consider Pakistani Hero's like, Jahangir Khan, Javed Miandad, Waseem Akram etc.
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Farhan Hashwani
Aug 11, 2018 04:52am
Why inviting foreigners? Where gone the claims of austerity? I think would be government should refrain from spending on foreign celebrities instead ensuring on steps to overcome economic crisis. Having said that if we see it as a big opportunity to have better relationship with neighboring countries then it may be considered but go for one dish meal. No luxuries to spent. Change will come only if we change. Hope this message is read by our leader Imran Khan.
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A
Aug 11, 2018 05:21am
Ok, so what will happen turn? Kashmir will be liberated? Thousands of people killed will have justice?
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Maria enteparia onnuchoriu
Aug 11, 2018 05:21am
Since we have $4 billion cash flow coming we can afford to have all the world leaders for inauguration.
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Sami Qureshi
Aug 11, 2018 05:26am
Pakistanis would be glad to see Ms Jamaima be invited at the ceremony for her dedication to help Imran Khan in the early period of the formation of PTI.
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Abdul Rashid Khan
Aug 11, 2018 05:31am
@ajr IK will approach IMF, World bank and Chinese banks .
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Aravind
Aug 11, 2018 05:42am
This is crazy. He is a Prime minister. No more cricket player. We don't think he asked for votes based on his cricket achievements. Is it not time to think and plan progress of people who voted or not voted for you.
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El Cid
Aug 11, 2018 06:11am
Inviting personal friends but not international dignitaries to Naya Pakistan's function. This is alarming!
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Asif A. Shah
Aug 11, 2018 06:48am
Imran Khan should invite Aamir Khan as well. He should keep his word.
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Asher
Aug 11, 2018 06:50am
Try invite Graham Gooch, Mike Gatting, Ian Smith, Jeff Crowle, Richie Richardson, Carl Hooper, Sachin Tendulkar, Alan Border, Dean Jones and Johnty Rhodes as well...
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Raju
Aug 11, 2018 08:27am
@RUMI you wait and watch
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awan
Aug 11, 2018 11:48am
Agree with Mr Rumi's concern to some extent but lets give IK a chance to start with a positive gesture Wish this event will turn out to be a new beginning
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Arsalan Kakar
Aug 11, 2018 06:15pm
If in Pakistan a Cricketer could be a PM why not in India?
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Khurram
Aug 11, 2018 06:50pm
U-turn starts with oath.
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Brian
Aug 11, 2018 07:09pm
The poor Amir Khan was also on the list.
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Pankaj
Aug 11, 2018 08:45pm
Gavaskar has already declined this invitation on account of his commitments as a commentator for the ongoing test series in England. Kapil Dev is undecided. The overenthusiastic Sidhu would look like a fool if he goes alone.
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MEaRah
Aug 11, 2018 09:04pm
@RUMI Yes to what you wrote. But hopefully, this one-sided and small effort will pave a way and improve the relationship between the two neighbors.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad
Aug 11, 2018 10:00pm
This is right thing to do. We need to respect great cricketers even though they aren't from our land. He should include Virat, Sachin as well. I am sure this goodwill go long way w/ billion+ people.
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Mohan
Aug 12, 2018 10:14am
@RUMI Don't know you are being misread. You only stated some facts.
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Gary
Aug 12, 2018 10:19am
Nobody is going.
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Qamar
Aug 12, 2018 10:53am
@RUMI Sunil Gavaskar has refused the invitation, latest news.
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Brian
Aug 12, 2018 12:54pm
Amir Khan had already packed his bag to attend the ceremony of imran. What happened?
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Dr BN Anand
Aug 12, 2018 01:46pm
Only hyping of Kashmir and cross border infiltrations by Pakistan are the irritant factors in developing highly genuine friendly relations between two countries. Regretfully, all other gestures raise just false hopes among the people.
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Kaly
Aug 12, 2018 03:22pm
@Asif jamil - I agree with you, 100% percent, hate bring destruction, loving people is the key...
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Kaly
Aug 12, 2018 04:08pm
@Lahori kid - Very matured though and need of the hrs...respect from India....
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Owais Mangal
Aug 12, 2018 06:22pm
@RUMI: This is the beginning of diplomacy with India. InshaAllah this will create a renewed commitment of a good bilateral relationship with India.
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Kashmiri
Aug 12, 2018 08:49pm
Should have invited President Erdogan of Turkey as well as president trump
Recommend 0
A shah
Aug 12, 2018 09:22pm
U-turn after U-turn
Recommend 0
BEG
Aug 12, 2018 10:22pm
This man can't think of anything other than cricket. When will he govern the country? I think he will make all of us play cricket for 5 yrs.
Recommend 0
Magnanimous approach
Aug 12, 2018 10:38pm
@AXH .And Imran Khan should dress as cricketer with bat in hand.
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Ali
Aug 12, 2018 11:15pm
Legendry Indian cricketers who had played with Imran Khan over the years, have been invited for his oath taking ceremony. Such sportsmen are ambassadors of goodwill, so this will be good for improving India-Pakistan relations. We hope India-Pakistan cricket will be revived, which was stopped by PM Modi's short sightedness. The people of both the countries want better relations, as they have shared history, religions, culture, food and way of life.
Recommend 0
DEAN
Aug 13, 2018 01:01pm
A good gesture you have to start somewhere with your neighbors !!!
Recommend 0

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