Title: Playing India was like breath of fresh air: Younus Khan

Desc:

Having played their first match against India after nearly a one year gap, Pakistani players are confident that cricket will again serve as a catalyst for improving relations between the two countries.

Pakistan captain Younis Khan told the "Jang" newspaper that though it was just a warm-up fixture, he was happy that finally the two countries had met on the cricket field. He said it was an indication that there could be a thaw in the tense relations between Pakistan and India following the Mumbai terror attacks last November.

"I am happy this match took place, it is like a breath of fresh air," he said.

Younis said that both the teams stayed at the same hotel in London and this allowed players of both countries to meet each other and interact.

"It didn't seem as if there is a big ridge between the two nations or there is political tension," he told the newspaper.

After the Mumbai attacks, India cancelled its tour of Pakistan while the Pakistan government also didn't permit its players to play in the Indian Premier League.

"After meeting them, it didn't seem to me that they are distances in cricket relations between the two countries," Younis said.

All-rounder Shahid Afridi said he too enjoyed the match against India. "On the field, they are our staunch rivals but off the field we have no problems with their players and I have old friendships with some of them," he said.

Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed said he and his players were of the view that cricket relations must continue between Pakistan and India as this would help reduce tensions and improve relations between the people.

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