Zardari hopes resumption of Pak-India cricketing ties helps burgeon peace

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.