Sunil Gavaskar and Imran Khan were contemporaries during their playing days. But, they were friends beyond the cricket field. They still share cordial relations. But, the Pulwama terror attack has shaken India to the core. In this shameful attack, at least, 40 CRPF Jawans were martyred. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the cowardly attack.
Sunil Gavaskar said he wants the Pakistan PM and former cricketer, Imran Khan to take the first friendly steps and ensure perpetrators of terror are handed over to the United Nations. He had a direct message for Pakistan’s 1992 World-Cup winning skipper.
“I don’t want to react to what these young players have suggested but if I may speak directly – Imran, when you took over, you said it was going to be a new Pakistan,” Gavaskar told India Today.
“You said India should take one step and Pakistan will take two steps. I want to say that Pakistan should be the one to take the first step. You ensure that those in Pakistan creating problems – maybe to the United Nations.
“You take those two friendly steps and then see the many steps India will take. I am no politician. You are my friend, Wasim is my friend, Shoaib Akhtar is my friend. You take that first step. Let old Pakistan stay. You take that first step, and then see the number of friendly steps India will take.
“If he takes those first steps, it’s a Naya Pakistan. Hand over those responsible for the attacks, stop cross-border infiltration. You see then how many steps India will take. But I am not a politician, I am a sportsperson. But I am sure people in India will appreciate.
“The first friendly steps.. if Imran takes those steps, you will see the steps India will take. I am sure the people of India will appreciate. Imran has spent a lot of time in India – as a cricketer, as a friendly visitor to the India and he knows the Indian people more than any other (Pakistani) prime minister.
“I am not asking for words, I am asking for action to be taken,” Gavaskar said.