India and Pakistan captains shake hands during the World Cup

India has offered a raft of proposals to its neighbour, hoping to improve political relations.

And the move, while stunning political observers in South Asia, has rubbed off favourably in the world of cricket.

The Indian government had proved the final stumbling block preventing cricket ties between the two countries and Pakistan are delighted by the move.

According to the International Cricket Council's itinerary, India are set to visit Pakistan in early 2004. The Indians would then host Pakistan 12 months later.

Feature: Cricket hails resumption

However, according to an ICC source, Pakistan and India cricket chiefs may rush through an earlier series.

ICC President Ehsan Mani welcomed the announcement with open arms. He said: "The international cricket community is delighted with this positive step.

Let's hope it can become a regular fixture From Michael Simpson Have your say on TMS

"The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the great rivalries not only in cricket but also in world sport and the resumption of series between these countries is a boost for the game.

"I believe that these matches will help build greater understanding between the two countries."

The Indian government had long said its policy against allowing bilateral cricket with Pakistan was a matter of protecting "national interest."

As such, ties could not resume until cross-border violence ended.

The Indian and Pakistani cricket teams played their last regular Test in 1999 in India.

Since then, they have met at the Asia Cup in Bangladesh and the World Cup in South Africa, but the government refused other international venues.