India must support us - Qadir

Pakistan chief selector Abdul Qadir has urged India to proceed with the planned tour to Pakistan - for the benefit of both countries.

India are scheduled to tour Pakistan early next year for three Tests, a five match one-day match series and a Twenty20 international.

But the tour is in doubt due to political tensions between the neighbouring countries which have heightened following last month’s terror attacks in Mumbai.

The decision to tour hinges on government clearance, but India's foreign ministry is yet to clear the team's participation.

"Cricket is one way of maintaining good relations with India,” said Qadir.

"It is very important that we at least continue playing regularly against India and both the countries don't break cricket ties.

"If India plays Pakistan it would go a long way to help ease tensions between the countries.

"Without playing against top teams our cricketers will neither improve nor will we get a chance to improve our rankings. India must support us."

Pakistan have suffered from a lack of international cricket this year with Australia postponing a scheduled tour in April, while the Champions Trophy - scheduled to take place in September - was also put back.

Pakistan have not played a Test on home soil since October last year, and have not played a Test at any venue in the past 12 months.