KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf labeled the upcoming India-Pakistan series as a "revival of friendship" between the two subcontinent archrivals and a step forward, despite the fact it was Pakistan's turn to host its neighbor.  

"It's neither India's series nor it's Pakistan's series, it's a series to revive friendship," he said.

Bangalore and Ahmedabad will host the Twenty20 games while Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi will host the ODIs.There will be no match at Mumbai.

"We will send a delegation prior to the tour to see the security arrangements," Ashraf said.

Officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the PCB held at least three meetings this year in Dubai, Chennai and Malaysia to work out resuming cricket ties. Ashraf attended the Indian Premier League final in late May and met with BCCI and Indian government officials.

"You can't just clap with one hand," Ashraf said. "Both countries needed each other to eventually strengthen the relationship and this series will be a big breakthrough.

"India has a big role in international cricket and I've been trying for long for this (revival of cricketing ties with India), but obviously it takes time and required the understanding of the boards as well as the government."

Ashraf also hoped that once the security situation improves in Pakistan, India will visit.

"I hope in future their team plays in Pakistan, if the security situation improves (in Pakistan)," Ashraf said.

All test teams have avoided Pakistan since gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team convoy at Lahore in 2009. Pakistan has mainly played its home series in the United Arab Emirates.