Terrorism has damaged all sports: Wasim

Published November 28, 2008

LAHORE, Nov 27: Former Pakistan captain and pace bowling icon Wasim Akram said on Thursday that the ugly terrorist attacks in India’s financial hub Mumbai had put cricket on the back foot, saying now the most important issue was the protection of human life.

Talking to reporters at a local girls college here, Wasim noted that terrorism had not only damaged cricket but all the sports activities, recommending now this issue should be solved by the world with unity.

Around 125 people were killed while hundreds were injured as the terrorists on Wednesday night attacked several places across Mumbai including five-star hotels and railway station.

As a result, the Champions League Twenty20 event, which was to start on Dec 3, has been deferred for an indefinite period. Furthermore, last two matches of the seven-match One-day International series between India and England have also been called off, with question marks on the forthcoming two-Test series between the two countries.

Under such circumstances, Wasim said, no one could think about cricket.

Commenting on the effect of the recent attacks on India’s tour to Pakistan scheduled for January-February, Wasim said: “I am not in a position to say anything about any team who should tour any country or not.”

But he added though the matters were now under the control of the government he could only hope that India would tour Pakistan as per the schedule.

Wasim, however, added that the chances of shifting the series to a neutral venue were also visible.—Sports Reporter