Ijaz Butt's appearance at the High Commission was part of the diplomatic efforts aimed at resuming sporting ties between India and Pakistan. —AP Photo

ISLAMABAD: The appearance of Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt at the Iftar dinner of the Indian High Commission on the insistence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has created positive hopes for the revival of India-Pakistan cricket ties, Dawn has learnt.

“The PCB chairman came all the way from Lahore to attend the Iftar dinner hosted by the Indian High Commission,” said a senior federal official.

PCB chairman’s appearance at the High Commission, he said, was part of the diplomatic efforts which were aimed at resuming sporting ties between the arch-rivals.

Both Pakistan and India have been facing turbulent relations since the terrorist attack in Mumbai.

During all these years, Pakistan cricket board’s financial losses swelled to millions of dollars because of cancellation of several international home cricket events besides refusal of the Indian government to send its team to Pakistan.

“We want resumption of dialogue between the two countries and it is a part of our efforts to resume sporting ties because sports can ensure peace in the region,” observed the official.

He said Pakistan, apart from cricket, would also like to face India in other sports.

“We want India to play in Pakistan as it will give message to other countries that Pakistan is a safe place for such activities,” said the official.

Asked whether the PCB chairman attended the dinner on the insistence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PCB’s media officer Nadeem Sarwar replied, “I have no idea.”