Ex-cricketer and famous off-spinner, Saqlain Mushtaq, has responded to criticism from India’s former all-rounder Kapil Dev after the latter rubbished Shoaib Akhtar’s proposal of a three-match fundraising Indo-Pak series for the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) relief efforts.

While speaking to the Press Trust of India (PTI), Saqlain stressed that cricket has the power to bring the two nations closer.

"What do you call sports persons? 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," said Saqlain.

"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," he added.

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The former off-spinner also claimed that a series between India and Pakistan is bigger than the Ashes and the two countries should reignite their famous rivalry.

"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," he said. "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."