Why India, Pakistan need to revive cricket ties...

‘Pakistan's youngsters are not getting to see their players playing at home’

Former batting great Sunil Gavaskar believes India and Pakistan must start a dialogue to pave the way for the revival of regular matches between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting a response from their counterparts -- Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) -- for a proposed series in December-January to be played in United Arab Emirates.

The series is one of six agreed between the PCB and BCCI under a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, all subject to clearance from the respective governments.

But the current strained political situation with regular ceasefire violations from both sides and cancellation of talks between the security advisers of the two countries in August leaves the series in serious doubt.

BCCI last week said it has sought permission from their government and expect a final reply in the next ten days.

Gavaskar said the mistrust between the two countries should be removed.

"I think to solve any problem people need to talk, unless you talk to each other there is no solution of problems so that is the first step," Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar said Pakistan was suffering more from not playing India and also at home because of security fears.

"Pakistan's loss is great," said Gavaskar.

"Pakistan's youngsters are not getting to see their players playing at home, kids not watching Younis (khan), Misbah (ul-Haq) and (Shahid) Afridi before them in flesh.”