'Indian government gives Pakistan series the green light'

PCB chairman Shahryar Khan thinks talks are on the right track for the tour in December

KARACHI: The government of India on Wednesday forwarded its approval for the resumption of cricket ties with Pakistan, sources were quoted by CNN-IBN.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan met Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and they were said to have discussed the upcoming series in December in the UAE.

There was no final decision on the series but the government has reportedly said that they have no issues with the series which will comprise of two Tests, five ODIs and two Twenty20s.

Read: Indian parliamentarian opposes Pakistan-India series in December

Pakistan visited India back in 2011 but after the 26/11 incident all cricketing ties were cut between the two countries.

"I would love to watch India play Pakistan," said former India wicketkeeper Kiran More. "It will be very tough, but off the field we are great friends."

According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both countries they are to play five bilateral series over the span of eight years.

"This will help our team to come up," said the legendary Pakistan batsman Zaheer Abbas. "It is going to be a big moment, people all over the world will follow it. This is what we want.

"It's really good Pakistan and India will be playing, albeit at a neutral ground. I am very happy Shahryar Khan is working so hard towards it," added Zaheer.

Read: Modi wants to use 'cricket diplomacy' to improve ties with Pakistan

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur too expressed his satisfaction over the progress made. "Shahryar Khan met me today in Delhi," said Thakur. "We had a detailed discussion on when and where to host the series, and once it is decided, we will go back to the government for a final go-ahead."

"We are on right track for India-Pakistan series in December after my meetings with Jagmohar Dalmiya, Arun Jaitley and Anurag Thakur," said Shahryar.

PCB's legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said the news has led to a lot of excitement in Pakistan. "People here in Pakistan are excited. It will be huge series. PCB is looking forward to it," he said.

Zakir Khan, PCB's Director of cricket operations, said, "Good for Pakistan cricket. Shahryar is in India and pushing for the series. It's a personal victory for him."