Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik: “It’s my own opinion but the word ‘war’ is a very strange word to me. I don’t think it’s good to use that word – definitely not in sports”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Shoaib Malik has admitted that he doesn’t like it when the word “war” is associated with matches between India and Pakistan.

While it is always a highly-anticipated affair when both sides play each other, political ties between the two countries remain frosty.

With that in mind, the veteran Pakistan all-rounder stressed that such a strong word like “war” shouldn’t be used to describe matches involving India and Pakistan.

“It’s my own opinion but the word ‘war’ is a very strange word to me. I don’t think it’s good to use that word – definitely not in sports,” Malik was quoted as saying by The News International. “When you deal with ‘love’, then everything becomes a bit easier – whether it’s cricket or any other sports. It unites people together. When people travel across nations and feel the warmth and love they receive, then a lot of illusions wither away.”

Pakistan will face India in the World Cup on June 16.

They will kick off their campaign against the West Indies in Nottingham on May 31.

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