Union Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor today suggested that cricket series between India and Pakistan could be organised in a neutral venue like the USA.
Pointing out that the USA has many cricket enthusiasts, Mr Tharoor, who had his education in that country, today hoped that an Indo-Pak cricket series would well be appreciated by the public there.
"We have a large patriotic population of both Indians and Pakistani in the USA and a handful of cricket enthusiasts as well. That's a very, very good way to organise cricket in third countries when terror strikes have stopped cricket between the two countries," Mr Tharoor said.
"It will be terrific to see a baseball stadium in the USA crowded for a cricket match, though the stadium will be small by cricket standards," he added.
"There is a lot at stake in Indo-Pak rivalry as there is some historical baggage (of Partition). There is a greater degree of detachment among spectators which makes Indo-Pak. cricket so exciting," said Mr Tharoor, who has co-authored a book 'Shadows Across the Playing Field' with former Pakistan Cricket Board chief Shaharyar Khan.
Recalling the resumption of Indo-Pak cricket in 2004 that was termed as a friendship tour, Mr Tharoor said, "For the first time so many cricket visas were given. The atmosphere was so good among fans."
