Pakistan likely to tour India for one-off match this year: Ashraf

The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Zaka Ashraf has said that there is a great possibility of Pakistan touring India for a one-off match this year in a bid to normalise bilateral ties between the two countries.

Ashraf, who returned to Lahore after a week-long visit to India, said he wanted to develop a kind of relationship with the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) that in future instead of playing their matches at neutral venues, Pakistan could tour India.

"We want to establish exemplary relations with the Indian board," Ashraf told a national daily.

Ashraf, who held meetings with BCCI officials during his visit to India, said due to the hectic international calendar of both teams it didn't appear possible to have a full bilateral series this year.

"Hopefully within this month we could be in a position to announce the date for a one-off bilateral match that Pakistan will go and play in India," he said.

The PCB has been striving to convince the BCCI to restore bilateral cricketing ties that were discontinued after the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.

Recently, the BCCI gave indications of wanting to break the ice when it announced that Pakistan's national T20 champions, Sialkot Stallions would be invited to play in this year's Champions League tournament.

The BCCI had also invited Ashraf and Chief Operating Officer, Subhan Ahmed to visit India for the IPL final.

"It is not possible to have a full series this year but we definitely want things to move forward so we will go and play a one-off game in India this year. In this connection we have had successful talks with the BCCI officials.

"I feel even one match would be enough to convey the message that we have revived and normalised bilateral cricket ties," said Ashraf.

The PCB chief said he expected dates to be finalised during the ICC meeting in Kuala Lumpur and described his meetings with the Indian cricket officials and politicians very positive.

"The feeling I got while in India and from inter acting with the people is that even they want to see regular cricket matches between the two teams and that is a very good sign for us," said Ashraf.