Pakistan and India seek to renew bilateral hockey ties

MUMBAI: The hockey heads of Pakistan and India are attempting to renew ties later this year in the wake of last month's successful "cricket diplomacy."

Efforts are underway between the federations of the two countries, who have not played in a bilateral series since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, to play matches in both countries, Hockey India secretary Narinder Batra said on Wednesday.

"We are looking to play three matches in India and three in Pakistan if we receive government clearances," Batra said.

"Dialogues are ongoing but everything depends on permission from the governments.

"We are eyeing a period around the middle of August or the first week of September. It suits both our calendars."

"We are considering a three-match friendly hockey series between the two countries in order to revive sporting ties with our neighbours," Malik was quoted as saying by a newspaper.

"I have directed the interior secretary Qamar-uz-Zaman Chaudhry to ensure the best-possible security arrangements are in place."

The Pakistan hockey team toured New Delhi twice last year for the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. (Reuters)