Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar had recently proposed a three-match ODI series between rivals India-Pakistan to raise funds for the Coronavirus fight. But former India fast bowler Madan Lal on Thursday (9 April) has said that it is up to the government to decide on it.

While talking about Shoaib’s proposal, Lal said, “It’s for the government to decide, not Shoaib Akhtar (decision on bilateral series between India and Pakistan). It depends on government to government. They take all such decisions.”

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“Even before also, it was up to the Indian government to take a decision and only after that the BCCI would decide whether they would play against Pakistan or not,” he added.

“I want India and Pakistan to play a series. I want it to happen without crowds, just broadcasting unit should be there and the matches should be televised, three ODIs or T20Is should be played. I cannot understand why this is a bad idea,” Akhtar had said in a YouTube video.

Madan Lal, who won the 1983 World Cup with the Indian team, is not convinced about former Pakistan cricketer’s idea of playing an ODI series amid this Coronavirus scare.

“Right now, we are fighting against coronavirus. It’s not going to happen for a couple of months. Once the coronavirus is gone, then the government can decide whether to play or not against Pakistan. All the other things also have to be looked at while making such decisions,” the pacer said.

(With IANS inputs)