KARACHI, Feb 21: Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram Thursday said he is ready to serve as a “goodwill ambassador” to revive Pakistan-India cricket ties when he appears on a popular Indian cricket television show next week.

“I would love to give a goodwill message to the Indian public that both the countries should revive cricket because the public of both the countries want to see it,” Akram told AFP.

“Cricket should be above politics and since cricket matches bring the two nations close, there should be a revival of cricket between Pakistan and India.”

“I have been a great supporter of cricket between Pakistan and India and see no reason why cricket should suffer due to politics,” he said.

Wasim will leave for India via Dubai Tuesday as there are no direct flights between the two countries since India barred Pakistani flights from using its air space in January.

“Cricket series will lessen the tension and Pakistan has always been ready to play India,” he said.

Wasim, led Pakistan’s last team to India in the 1999-2000 season when Pakistan played three Tests and featured in a tri-series along with Sri Lanka.