Pakistan wants cricketing ties with India: Khar

ABU DHABI: Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on Monday called for the resumption of cricket ties with India.

"Pakistan pushes for cricket ties with every country, especially with India," Khar told reporters while watching the third and final Twenty20 between Pakistan and England here on Monday.

"I remember that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that it (cricket) is a great way to go and if both the governments feel it's a great way then we should go that way."

Khar said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was also endeavouring to revive the ties.

"PCB chairman has written letters to the Indian Board and when I was in India (last year) I noticed a great deal of keenness on the part of India and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to revive this brand of cricket," said Khar.

"Let me clearly articulate that the Pakistan government not only supports but also pushes that international cricket should be played among all countries."

Khar said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani -- who attended the World Cup semi-final in Mohali on Singh's invitation in March last year -- also wants Indo-Pak cricket to be revived.

"Our prime minister has always talked about the resumption and India is also very enthusiastic. The only problem is scheduling and that is why there have been problems but cricket plays a huge role in bringing people of both the countries together so it should be played.

Khar said Pakistan believes in cricket diplomacy.

"We have always believed in cricket diplomacy and there is a harmony in cultures of both the countries. We both are good at cricket and people on both sides love the game. People in Pakistan are bound by cricket and we need that unity at the moment."

Khar said the security situation in Pakistan was conducive to hosting international cricket.

Khar said government was ready to provide top-level security to international teams.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2012