Islamabad, July 09: Pakistan will host India's junior cricket team in a triangular tournament in November, ending a protracted freeze in sports competition between the two neighbours, a spokesman for the Pakistan Cricket Board said today. The tournament, also involving Sri Lanka, was to be held in September and October, but Pakistan sought a new date because of conflicting events. It will now be held from November 1-9, Sami-ul Hasan said.
India has already agreed to allow its junior team to travel to Pakistan for the tournament. Pakistan last toured India in 2000 after which the only cricket competition between the two countries has been in World Cup play.
Despite warming relations, disputes continue over future competition between the national teams of the two countries.
India refused to allow its team to visit Pakistan for a competition in April. Pakistan is to travel to India for a competition next February, but the government here says it doesn't want the team to go until India agrees to allow its team to visit Pakistan. Hasan said he is hopeful the junior team competition will be the first step toward restoration of full cricket ties and competition between the two national teams.
"We think the visit of the Indian junior team for this tournament will help restore national level cricket ties between Pakistan and India," Hasan said. Bureau Report