New Delhi: India on May 8 said it was open to restoration of cricket ties with Pakistan but subject to "satisfactory" progress on the political and diplomatic fronts.

The resumption of cricket ties was definitely under consideration but a decision on it "cannot be taken immediately", Sport Minister Vikram Verma said.

"We cannot make a commitment on playing with Pakistan now. But yes, if things move positively in all directions, cricket may follow suit," he said.

Verma said there was enough time to take a decision because there were no immediate fixtures scheduled for the Indian team with Pakistan.

"As it is there is no fresh proposal right now (from the cricket board). As and when we receive such a proposal, we will take a decision in consultation with the External Affairs Ministry and the Home Ministry," Verma said.

"But things will not happen overnight. It is not as if the trains will start today and we will start playing cricket tomorrow. Relations will have to improve overall," he said.

The cricket board had last week given a formal request to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee urging him to allow bilateral cricket ties, which have been stalled for the last three years.

Verma said a decision on the letter was still pending. "The PM is yet to give his approval. The Sports Ministry has not received any communication from the PMO in this regard."

PTI