Bishen Bedi backs revival of Indo-Pak series

Former India cricket captain Bishen Singh Bedi has extended his support to the revival of Indo-Pak cricketing ties, saying the sport should not be mixed with politics.

"We are living in free India. There are those who oppose, but I am of the view that there should be matches between India and Pakistan. Cricket is a separate thing from politics; the two should not be mixed. If cricketers are ready to play, then why should they not play?" Bedi said on Thursday.

India and Pakistan are set to revive their cricketing ties after a gap of five years following the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

The two teams are scheduled to play three ODIs and two Twenty20 Internationals in India in December-January.

Bedi's successor as Indian cricket team's captain, Sunil Gavaskar, had earlier slammed BCCI's decision to resume the bilateral ties saying that there was no need to for the resumption of cricketing relation with Pakistan as they were not cooperating in the 26/11 probe.

Bedi, who is the head coach at Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), said Pakistan will have the leverage of coming out fresh against India, as the MS Dhoni-led team will be playing non-stop cricket in the build-up to the tournament.

"It should be a good series, but Indian players will be under pressure because they will be returning from series against England, Australia and South Africa and will have little time to rest before playing Pakistan. Pakistani team will come fresh," Bedi said.

The veteran cricketer, meanwhile, said the country has "huge expectations" from Yuvraj Singh, but pointed that it would not be easy for him to make a comeback to the international cricket.

"Doctors and selectors will determine his physical fitness and his batting and cricketing form. If he is ready for the international series, my prayers are with him," he said.