ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed the hope that with the resumption of bilateral cricketing ties between Pakistan and India would prove to be a formidable confidence building measure and a way forward towards encouraging people-to-people contact.
In a letter to the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Zardari hoped that the resumption of the game would add to the positive atmosphere that has been witnessed by the two countries after resumption of the bilateral dialogue.
Earlier on Monday, the BCCI announced that it had invited Pakistan to play three one day international matches in India in December.
Following is the text of President's letter to the Indian Prime Minister;
Excellency,
You would recall that in my recent visit to India, we discussed resumption of cricket ties between Pakistan and India.
I am glad to learn that the Cricket Boards of Pakistan and India have agreed to resume cricket matches after a gap of five years. I am sanguine that cricket matches between our two countries would prove to be a formidable confidence building measure and a way forward towards encouraging people-to-people contacts. Undoubtedly, it would add to the positive atmosphere which has been witnessed by the two countries after resumption of the bilateral dialogue.
I avail this opportunity to convey my best wishes to Your Excellency's health and for the well being of the people of India.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.
COMMENTS (11)
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When do you expect resumption of electricity in Pakistan?????
Agree with @ Ijaz. Solve our internal security, innocents are being killed mercilessly everyday in Pakistan with no repurcussions for killers. Given the talent and popularity of cricket in Pakistan it should be very easy for us to be self sufficient and establish our own league, that will broaden the base and distribute the riches to wider section of players, organizers, spectators, local businesses.
Sensing the defeat in coming elections, Congress will itself cancel the series to win non Muslim votes. It hurts me that the game of the masses of the sub continent is being exploited by politicians on both the sides.
these idiot boards PCB and BCCI know that at the end of the day, this tour and any other like it will generate so much revenue if well managed, that you need to be about as dumb as a rabid squirrel to not go ahead with it ... all you self-righteous dimwits quoting political mayhem and abstinence from this and that, trust me, this cricket venture is exactly what everyone is looking fwd to, perhaps besides the few nutjob rightwingers out there who probably want to pick a fight at any chance ...
Only a letter?? it was a golden oppurtunity for the President to personally go and thank the Indians for allowing Pakistan cricket team on their soil.
@Nasir Mahmood
Well sir, fixation is different from fixing. Just like improving is different from improvisation. They have completely different meanings. Like oranges and apples.
It seems like Pakistan is dying to resume cricket with India while India is hesitant, even reluctant.
Frankly speaking, I would like to watch these matches, but not this time. Not until Pakistan takes steps to curb terrorism emanating from its soil
So, I would appreciate, if Indian government recognizes the national sentiment and rejects this series. Series or not, Congress is going to lose big time in the coming elections.
Increased people-to-people contact or people-to-non-state actors contacts?
RM be ready for fixation
Mr Zardari: People of India and especially those of Ajmer are still waiting for that one milion dollar donation you announced. Your credibility is at stake as If you can not keep promise to a relgious place how will you keep other promises.
It feel like someone is rubbing my wound with salt and red paper and spiting in my mouth and laughing at me and my country. Thank You Congress Thank You BCCI. I weep for India's future under Congress.