Indo-Pak cricket series revival on the cards?

The chances of resumption of India-Pakistan bilateral cricket series has received a boost, as the issue was discussed at length during the just concluded International Cricket Council's (ICC) meeting in Singapore.

According to sources, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt had a meeting ICC's new president Sharad Pawar during which the resumption of the stalled series between both countries came up for discussion.

u00a0"It was agreed between Butt and Pawar that all out efforts will be made to revive the Pakistan-India series as soon as possible," The News quoted sources privy to the meeting, as saying.

Insiders claim that Pawar had asked the PCB chief to back the Asian bloc led by India over the issue of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard's nomination for ICC vice-president.

Pakistan, like other Asian members of the ICC, had voted against Howard resulting in rejection of his nomination for the post.

"Now that Pakistan has done it's side of the deal, the Indians will have to agree to a bilateral series against Pakistan sooner than later," sources said.

"It is expected that the series will be held on neutral soil after April next year," they added.

Pawar, reportedly, has also promised to ensure that Pakistan's Twenty20 champions are allowed to feature in the 2011 Champions League.

Pakistan was not part of the inaugural Champions League last year and has also been denied a place in the tournament this year which is scheduled to be held in South Africa.