New Delhi: The bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan are set for revival after a gap of five years after the Board of Cricket Control of India decided to invite their neighbors for a short series during December 2012 – January 2013.

"It was decided to resume cricketing ties with Pakistan by inviting the Pakistan cricket team for a short series in December 2012 - January 2013. The modalities will be worked out shortly," Sanjay Jagdale, honorary secretary of the BCCI stated through a release.

Even though the exact duration of the tour has not been mentioned in release, India is expected to host Pakistan for a three match test series. It has been also learnt that government has approved to the tour.

The cricketing ties between the neighboring countries snapped after 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and there have been several attempts by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

PCB who had wanted to resume the bilateral ties with India got a boost after BCCI invited Sialkot Stallions of Pakistan for the CL T20 in 2012 and also the foreign secretaries of both the countries recently discussed sport diplomacy as one of the agenda.

Pakistan did not host a single match since March 2009 after the touring Sri Lankan team was attacked by a group of terrorists. Even 2011 World cup matches which were scheduled to happen in Pakistan were shifted outside the country.

India and Pakistan in the last five years had met only once that in the semifinals of the World Cup which the former won and if the proposed bilateral ties materialize then there are high chances than cricket would return to the country.

By Indian Sports News Network