India reject Pak proposal
for Test match

India rejected Pakistan's proposal for a Test match to mark the Pakistan Cricket Board's golden jubilee celebrations, ending prospects of any immediate revival of cricketing ties between the two countries.

"Certainly, this is not the time for resumption of such cricket ties," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Nirupama Rao told reporters, on Friday, when asked about the offer made by Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Tauqir Zia.

India had defeated Pakistan in its maiden Test in 1952, in Delhi. Though the two countries have been playing each other since then, India has maintained a boycott of cricketing ties with Pakistan since the last two years, accusing the country of fomenting violence in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country.

Both countries last played in the Asian Cup league game in Dhaka in May, 2000.

India pulled out its team from the ongoing Asian Test Championship last year.

Mail Cricket Editor