Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq on Sunday (April 26) reacted over Shoaib Akhtar’s idea of an India-Pakistan ODI series behind closed-door to jointly raise funds in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

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Earlier this month, Akhtar had proposed this suggestion but legendary India all-rounder Kapil Dev rejected it by saying “India doesn’t need the money”.

Speaking to PTI, Saqlain, however, downplayed the financial factor.

"What do you call sportspersons? You call them heroes and what is their job? Their job is to do good deeds. Winning and losing is part of the game. Cricket is not war. That is why I feel cricket should be played between the two countries,” he said.

"To say that Pakistan cricket will suffer because of not playing India is the not right way to look at this. The bigger picture is that the game should be promoted on both sides. And if we do play, there is a possibility of relations improving," the off-spin great added.

Talking about the power of sport, Saqlain also shared a beautiful experience.

"Sachin and Shane Warne had organised All Stars matches in America (in 2015). You won't believe I saw a flag with colours of both India and Pakistan flags. An Indian and Pakistani were holding that together. It brought the two nations closer.”

India and Pakistan have not played a full-fledged bilateral series since 2007 and Saqlain urged the ICC to look into this.

“I would request the ICC to look into this. Financially also, it is a win-win for both BCCI and PCB. The series is much bigger than the Ashes," he concluded.

(With PTI inputs)