Cricket has always strengthened Indo-Pak relationship: Mahmood

"In 1999, when we toured, there was tension between the two nations. After that tour, tension eased out and the situation improved. The game of cricket has no boundary. In the past, it has been cricket which has brought the two nations together and in future too I hope the sport will play the same role," the 37-year-old Mahmood, who plays for Kings XI Punjab, said this evening.

The cricketing ties between the two neighbours have remained suspended after the Mumbai terror attack in 2008.

"I hope the tensions between the two countries ease and like two good neighbours we live together and move forward, which is good for every single Pakistani and Indian as well. We all want peace," he said and hoped that cricketing ties will resume soon between the two sides.

Mahmood, who is now a British national and faced visa problems earlier before playing in the IPL, said that was a thing of the past and history.

"The issue is over, done and dusted," he said.

"It's been a wonderful experience playing in IPL, where top players from around the world share the same dressing room. I am quite happy to be part of Kings XI Punjab and IPL," Mahmood said in his first interview ever since his arrival to play in the cash-rich T20 tournament.

Asked how he rates the current Pakistani team, Mahmood, who was sceptical to answer range of questions other than IPL on fear of being misquoted, said they have been playing good cricket. MORE PTI SUN DKS