Dravid urges warm welcome for Pakistan

Rahul Dravid acknowledges the applause at Rawalpindi © AFP

Rahul Dravid has urged Indian fans to treat the Pakistan side well when they tour India soon, in order to reciprocate the warmth Pakistani fans had given Indian players and fans last year. Writing in his column in the Times of India, Dravid wrote: "[I] hope we will watch, cheer and support the teams in the spirit in which the game must be [played]. The home team will appreciate and be inspired by your support, but we would also hope that our opponents and their fans are respected."

Remembering past encounters between India and Pakistan, Dravid wrote that India's "most cherished memories" were "outside the field of play. The standing ovation of the Chennai crowd. The spontaneous applause of the people at Karachi airport. Watching Indians fans with Indian flags and facepaint walking along with Pakistani supporters on the streets of Lahore. The people have made these series as memorable as the players."

India-Pakistan matches also played a big role in the evolution of all the players who took part in them, he said. "No-one who has played in any of these contests can claim to come away from them unaffected. They help you grow as a player and as a man. They have inspired the players to produce some magical moments."