In an exclusive chat with Mobile ESPN, Wasim Akram reacts to BCCI’s reluctance to schedule bilateral series versus Pakistan in the FTP.

By Faisal Kamal

The Indian board has completely sidelined Pakistan in the proposed Futures Tours Programme and Wasim Akram is definitely not impressed. The Pakistan Cricket Board has accused India of trying to "marginalise" it in the draft FTP from 2012 to 2020.

Speaking to Mobile ESPN from Manchester, Akram said, “The BCCI has been very harsh on Pakistan in not inviting them to play a single match in the future. They do not realise that it is very important for Asia and world cricket that India and Pakistan play together.”

The FTP draft does not include a single bilateral series between the arch-rivals, even though the BCCI had promised earlier that the two nations would at least meet once a year.

Akram said, “India should have been sensitive towards Pakistan cricket and its upliftment in the sub-continent. An India-Pakistan series is even bigger than the Ashes, hence the two nations should actually be playing more often not only to generate revenue but heal whatever political bitterness exists.”

Apparently, India, Australia and South Africa did not even bother to send a draft of the proposed FTP to the PCB.

The 43-year-old Akram believes, “Whenever India and Pakistan play each other there is a lot of television coverage and a host of media spotlight which in turn is beneficial for the growth of cricket in the sub-continent. The series brings the best of players and a lot of young talent is exposed.”

India last played Pakistan in 2007, defeating them 1-0 in a three-match Test series. It was the first series win for India at home in the last 27 years. The magic of an India-Pak Test still awaits the fancy of many a cricket fan and Akram is no exception.

“India may not have time in 2010 but hopefully they will find space to play Pakistan in the coming years. Sports has a great healing touch and cricket will prove to be a great leveller.”