India to play Pakistan again

India have agreed to play Pakistan again five years after the Mumbai terror attacks severed relations between the countries. Three one-day matches and two Twenty20s will take place in India over the Christmas period between England's Test and one-day tours.

Months of delicate negotiations were necessary with Giles Clarke, chairman of the ECB, playing an advisory role with Pakistan.

The countries have played each other in ICC tournaments but bilateral ties would not have been resumed without the Indian government's approval. There is approval at the International Cricket Council for the conciliatory stance adopted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, often criticised lately for its resolute awkwardness.