Indo-Pak cricket ties to resume soon

17 July, 2012

India and Pakistan would soon be involved in a bilateral cricket series with India hosting Pakistan later during the year. The matches are scheduled to be played in New Delhi, Mohali and Dharamshala.

AFTER THE 2008 Mumbai Attack, Indian and Pakistani cricket fans have not seen their favourite cricketers going head on in a bilateral series. But, this soon may be a thing of the past, as the Indian cricket board is set to host three ODI's and two T20 matches, much to the happiness of the Pakistan cricket board, who were more than eager to play India in a bilateral series. The PCB earlier had also sent a proposal to the Indian board for a bilateral series. The matches are scheduled between December 2012-January 2013 to be played in New Delhi, Mohali and Dharamshala.

But, still there are some hurdles that need to be cleared, as the Indian government approval is also required for the series to go ahead, reported the BBC. With both the cricketing boards agreeing to play against one another, this hurdle should not create any major hindrance. As in fact, the resuming of cricketing ties between the two would also play an important role in improving the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Since the 2007-2008 Pakistan tour of India, these two nations have not been involved in a bilateral series. Though, they have played in non bilateral series against one another, the most famous one being the India - Pakistan World Cup Semi-Finals last year, 2011, where India turned victorious to reach the finals of the World Cup. They also played during the Asia Cup.

It is the fans that have lost out in witnessing one of the greatest cricketing rivalries. The series may not be a long one, as there are no Test matches involved but it is a positive sign for both the countries as it would definitely open the doors for future series between the two nations.