PCB says 'ice-breaking' Bangladesh trip will help revive cricket Indo-Pak cricket ties

Lahore, Apr 19(ANI): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Chaudhary Zaka Ashraf has said Bangladesh's short tour will go a long way in reviving cricket ties with India.

"I am sure the Bangladesh tour will break the ice, and the breakthrough achieved during President Asif Ali Zardari's tour to India will also help in the revival of Indo-Pak cricket. I had a good meeting with BCCI president Narayanan Srinivasan and this time he was more positive on the revival of the ties," The Daily Times quoted Ashraf, as saying.

"I thank the ICC for the way they appreciated the revival of cricket and approved of it. The situation is not like it was in 2009. Since cricket was suspended in Pakistan our grounds were left deserted but things have improved and I hope more teams will come after the Bangladesh team's tour," he added.

Ashraf said convincing Bangladesh to play two matches in Pakistan is a victory for cricket fans.

"Cricket is a passion in Pakistan and convincing Bangladesh to tour is a victory for all of us and now even a single policeman will do his best to give the visitors full security," he added.

Pakistan will host a one-day and a Twenty20 match in Lahore this month after a three-year hiatus following its suspension in the wake of 2009 attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus. (ANI)