Lahore: Arch-rivals India and Pakistan have one of the most intense sporting rivalries. The two Asian neighbours last played a full-series in the year 2007 and after that have only faced each other at ICC events and Asia Cup due to bitter diplomatic relationship and conflict. Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik believes the world badly needs India-Pakistan bilateral series to resume as soon as possible. ALSO READ | Former Pak Seamer Aaqib Javed Makes Sensation Claim, Reveals He Was Told To Fix Matches Or Have His Career Ended
"I think the world badly needs this rivalry to resume, in the same way that world cricket needs the Ashes," Malik told PakPassion.net in an interview.
"Could England and Australia imagine Test cricket without an Ashes series? Both series are played with the same kind of passion and have such a great history, so it is a shame that we don't play right now.
"Also, I have Pakistani friends who love to talk about Indian cricketers with respect and admiration. Similarly, I and my Pakistan team-mates are given such love and support when we play in India so it is a rivalry that I would like to see return as soon as it is possible," the 38-year old former captain added.
The T20 World Cup, one of the most-watched and loved sporting event in the world, is 'for now' scheduled to take place from October 18-November 15, although there are doubts over it amid Covid-19 pandemic. Pakistan's Shoaib Malik believes his national squad stands a good chance of winning the mega-event.
"I believe our chances are very good. In order to win these kinds of events, you have to have a very strong bowling attack and I think we have that box ticked. In addition, we also have a good batting line-up to complement that strong bowling attack.
"Not only that, but our fielding has also developed and improved over the years, which is important on big grounds. Our fitness is much improved and better than it was in previous years, so overall, I think we will be right up there as a team that stands a very good chance of winning this tournament if it goes ahead," he said.
"At the moment I am as fit as I have ever been, I'm still very hungry to play cricket and have a few more goals that I would like to achieve before retiring. But when my cricket days do come to an end I would like to work in the media. Maybe have my own show and also do some commentary or studio work."