Pakistan wants India Tests every two years like the Ashes by AFP

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Event:

India in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 2nd December 2005

 

India and Pakistan should play each other at Test level every two years like the Ashes because of the huge interest and rivalry between the cricket-mad countries, Pakistan cricket chief said Friday.

 

"We would like to see an India-Pakistan Test cricket series every two years, like the Ashes between Australia and England," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said.

 

"If we treat it like that there will be no danger of losing interest," Khan said.

 

The Ashes series of up to six Tests is held once every two years, alternately in England and Australia.

 

Interest in cricket was reignited in England last summer when they triumphed 2-1 to win the Ashes for the first time in 18 years.

 

India and Pakistan have already played two Test series since cricketing ties were restored in 2004, but each has been a three-match series.

 

India toured Pakistan for Test and one-day series last year before hosting their neighbours early this year.

 

India are scheduled to tour Pakistan again early next year for three Tests and five one-day internationals.

 

India will also feature in a six-nation Asia Cup in Pakistan in February.

 

Khan leaves Saturday for India, where he will finalise the Pakistan itinerary for the next few years.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)