Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis has regretted India's absence in the tri-nation cricket tournament in Sharjah but said he would comment no further as "it was a political matter". "It is a shame we are not playing against India here," he said on arrival in Sharjah for the tournament starting on Sunday on Friday.

"Since it is a policy matter of a government, I would not like to comment over that. We have come here to play positive cricket against the opponents here," he was quoted as saying. "For us, India's absence from the tournament is not really an issue but it is a fact India and Pakistan games have always drawn large crowds to the stadium," said team manager Yawar Saeed, who is doubling as team coach.

"All the boys are 100 percent positive and the team atmosphere at the moment is relaxed and positive," said Saeed who was Pakistan Cricket Board's Director (Operations). "I am happy with what I have got, the team is a fine mixture of youth and experience and I am sure we will do the best we can to take home the trophy. I have been written off many times in the past but I know I still have the stuff and guts to perform at international level," Waqar said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan-owned ARY Jewellers have stepped in as sponsors of the tourney in place of Coca Cola.

© PTI