Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has proposed a three-match ODI series against arch-rivals India to raise funds for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in both the countries. "In this time of crisis, I want to propose a three match series in which for the first time, the people of neither country would be upset at the outcome of the games," Akhtar told PTI from Islamabad.
"You are bound to get massive viewership for the games. For the first time, both countries will play for each other. And whatever funds are generated through this can be donated equally to the government of India and Pakistan to fight this pandemic," added the 44-year-old. With both countries in a lockdown amid the fast-spreading pandemic, the games can only be organised when things improve.
"Everyone is sitting at home at the moment, so there will be a massive following for the games. May be not now, when things start improving, the games could be organised at a neutral location like Dubai. However, Akhtar feels the sooner they are held, the better it would be but could not tell how the logistics of such an initiative would be worked out. The two nations have not played a full-series since 2007 as the two teams play each other only at ICC events.
