Cricket games help to improve relations between India and Pakistan

[video]India and Pakistan have used "cricket diplomacy" to improve relations in the past, and over the next little while they will do it again.

Pakistan's national cricket team is in India for the first series of games between the two countries in five years. The matches will take place from Dec. 25 to Jan. 6.

For this very reason, the Indian government has issued a number of visas to Pakistan cricket fans, allowing them to enjoy the matches live.

"India and Pakistan - especially Pakistan - used cricket diplomacy to normalize relationships with India, especially during the tension, during the strained periods - difficult times," said Ershad Mahmud, a political analyst, speaking on Tuesday from Islamabad.

Therefore, in many people's eyes, the current cricket matches can also be regarded as an improvement in bilateral relations. Mahmud believes that economic and cultural communications serve as good tools in promoting dialogue between the neighboring countries.

"Leaders cannot decide unless the public is supportive. So cricket or trade and a liberal visa regime, people-to-people contact, these are the good tools to create some sort of win-win situation for both countries," Mahmud said.

Since the restart of peace talk in February 2011, India and Pakistan have made progress regarding visa procedures, investment and trade. Although both sides are deeply divided on territory, counter terrorism and military issues, both governments have shown their friendly side.

"So I think India and Pakistan relationships, the nature and dynamic has changed," Mahmud said.