The starlet speaks as India gears up to host the Pakistan cricket team after a gap of five years

Vinita Chaturvedi (BOMBAY TIMES; July 20, 2012)

India’s decision to resume cricket ties with Pakistan has got a mixed response from people here, considering Pakistan’s stand on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. But starlet Veena Malik is thrilled. “It’s a dream come true,” she says in a telechat from Dubai.

‘CRICKET FANS ARE THRILLED’
Says Veena, “I’m so excited to know that the Pakistan team is coming to India to play after a long gap. And I’m sure cricket fans in India and Pakistan are equally thrilled. It’s a well-known fact that each and every match between the two countries — whether it’s a T20, ODI or a Test match —is like a World Cup match! And it’s the only link that can finally bring the two nations together! After all, what other connect do India and Pakistan have?”

DIVIDED LOYALTIES
And now that her cricketing fantasy is coming true, which team will she be rooting for? She chuckles, and says, “You know, this is such a difficult question because my loyalties are divided! The kind of adulation and love that I have received from India and Indians is unparalleled. Even during the World Cup, I had difficulty choosing one team over the other in the semifinals. But then, as a Pakistani national, I will be rooting for Pakistan, though I love Team India too!”

FRIENDLY ADVICE
She says, “My friendly advice for senior cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar is that they should support and endorse such things! After all, what can be bigger than a match between these two countries, which drives two nations crazy! Akhir kab tak purani baaton ko lekar hum log baithe rahenge!”

Well, clearly Miss Malik is either not sufficiently aware of the ongoing impasse between the two countries on the 26/11 attacks, or prefers to not dwell on the topic.

LINK

http://fenilandbollywood.com/2012/07/20/ill-be-rooting-for-team-pakistan-veena-malik/