Dalmiya's demise has left a big void in cricket: Miandad

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Karachi, Sep 23: Former Pakistan captain Javed Miandad has paid homage to the late Jagmohan Dalmiya, saying he was someone who had a lot of respect for Pakistani cricket and cricketers.

Miandad, who was the coach of Pakistan when the team went to India in 1999 for a series, said Dalmiya had provided great hospitality to the visiting side.

"I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Dalmiya, who was widely respected for his role in raising the status of the subcontinent and South Asian region in world cricket," Miandad told PTI. "Dalmiya's passing away has left a big void in cricket," he added.

Dalmiya, who was holding the post of the BCCI president, passed away in Kolkata on Sunday. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in an official statement said Dalmiya was a true friend of Pakistan cricket. Miandad said the late Indian cricket chief had played a major role in encouraging Indo-Pak cricket encounters.

"The 1999 and 2004 series are two big examples of this. They were held despite tensions in relations between the two countries," said Miandad.

Meanwhile, Miandad said that chances of Indo-Pak series taking place in December in the UAE are slim. "To be honest, I don't entertain too many hopes now," he added.

The legendary cricketer also advised the PCB to leave no stone unturned to make the Pakistan Super League a success.

"A lot depends on how well we organise the PSL at whatever venue. But I would suggest to the PCB to set a new example and also invite some Indian players for the league whether they come or not is another matter. But we should show we can be different even though they have shunned our players from the Indian Premier League," he said.

PTI