Ready to go to war with India: Former Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistani cricketer Javed Miandad took the India-Pakistan hyperbole to an all-new level, challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to start a war.

In a one-on-one to Pakistani TV channel, Miandad said, "We are ready for martyrdom. Our nation cannot be cowed down by hollow threats."

“Ye laaton ke bhoot baaton se baaz nahi aate, inko laate hi maarni padengi (Pakistan shouldn't get scared India's empty threats, it should respond in action),"Miandad was quoted by the channel. "They (Indians) are cowards. Action is the best reaction,” he added.

Every Pakistani, even every child, is ready for martyrdom: Pakistani cricketing legend Javed Miandad after India's 'surgical strikes' claim pic.twitter.com/ykzuQpSkCw

— SAMAA TV (@SAMAATV) September 29, 2016

The explosive right-handed batsmen, who was a nemesis for Indian bowlers during his playing days, is known for his famous, heated altercation with Kiran More during the 1992 World Cup group match against India.

Cricket fans would also remember how he went after former Australian paceman Dennis Lilee with a bat after he had enough of his sledging.

With ties between India and Pakistan reaching a new low after the Uri attacks and the subsequent surgical strikes by the Indian troops last week, it remains to be seen how Miandad's comments are received by the cricketing community, especially after Shahid Afridi had earlier called for peace.

Pakistan is a peace loving nation,y talk abt extreme measures when things can be resolved through dialogues. Pakistan wants cordial 1/2

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 29, 2016

Relationship with all. When 2 neighbours fight both homes are effected. #sayno2war #pakistan #peace #india #neighbours

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) September 29, 2016