*ISLAMABAD – Shoaib Malik has spoken over the issue of Pakistan India tiesand cricket matches between the two arch rivals.*
*He insisted that India and Pakistan should play more matches as thearch-rivals are set to face each other on September 19 since Championstrophy 2017 final.*
Talking to media at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Friday, the 36-year-old said,“The India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup is just another game for me. Ifyou think too much about the game then you create pressure for yourself.”
“I would say that we should consider this just another game and would saythe same to my team-mates, he said adding, This is the kind of a game whichis watched with great interest in India, Pakistan and abroad.”
“This is a big opportunity for players as the one who performs in such agame becomes a hero.”
India and Pakistan should play more matches, he said adding, because peoplefrom both countries travel between the countries when bi-lateral serieshappens, it helps in uniting the people.
Both team’s players are professionals and they know how to behave on thefield and off the field, he stated.
“When we are not playing against each other, we are having meals togetherand that is how it should be, not only with India-Pakistan but with otherteams also,” Malik said.
Commenting on Mohammad Hafeez’s selection issue, he said this is not hisdomain, but when he become a selector he will respond to this [Hafeeznon-selection].
He further said every player, whether new or old, tries to fulfill thetasks that he is given. “I cannot say more as I am also contracted and thisis not my domain.”
Malik also requested the fans to pay for him and his wife Indian tennisstar Sania Mirza, as they are set to become parents.
“To be a father is a big thing and I am very excited and I would ask all topray that all goes well [ baby due in October]. The management have givenme a clear message that I can leave when I have to for the delivery asfamily comes first,”
On lighter note he said the nationality of the baby will be of a thirdcountry and not Pakistani or Indian.
He once again repeated that that the 2019 50 Over World Cup will be hislast World Cup.