COLOMBO, Sept 26: Youth cricket team officials from India and Pakistan hailed the opportunity to play against each other, and their captains shook hands and posed for photographs at a news conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Friday.

Teams of budding cricketers from India and Pakistan are here for a three-nation Emerging Trophy tournament.

“We are glad that we are playing against India after a long time,” said Pakistani team manager Azhar Zaidi.

“I endorse his (Zaidi’s) views,” said Indian team manager C.R. Vijayaraghavan, adding that the tour may lead to the restoration of full cricket ties between the countries.

Pakistan’s national team last toured India for a Test series in 1999. Their teams now meet only in major tournaments, such as the World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy.

“It’s going to be a good opportunity to all our youngsters,” Indian captain Gautam Ghambir said of the tournament. Ghambir, 21, has played five one-day internationals for India.

Pakistani captain Qaiser Abbas said he had a good, balanced team and looked forward to winning the tournament. Abbas has represented Pakistan in one Test.

The tournament, starting Saturday, will feature seven matches including the final on Oct 5.—AP