A prominent Bangladesh daily has said cricket played "a catalytic role" in South Asia as the leaders of India and Pakistan have agreed that they could settle their disputes bilaterally.

"Their realisation that they have to solve their problems all by themselves will be welcomed everywhere," the Daily Star said Saturday of the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani at Mohali amidst the World Cup semi-final match.