Akram, who bagged 414 wickets in Test matches and 502 wickets in one-dayers, has in the past helped Zaheer with tips on the art of swing bowling.

Zaheer finished with a seven-wicket match haul against Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy final that ended inu00a0Hyderabad yesterday.

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The former Pakistan captain also felt India presently was the strongest team and felt his country should not severe cricketing ties with the neighbours.

"With India becoming the best team in the world, Pakistan should play against them. Sporting ties should never be cancelled," he said, expressing concern over the lack of international cricket matches in Pakistan.

"India have won against Australia at home and away, and beaten England and South Africa. I will admit that South Africa are the best only if they do well in India during their tour," he said.