Pakistan captain Rashid Latif called on Sunday for an early resumption of Tests between Pakistan and India.

Latif, 34, told a news conference that the players were keen to start playing against each other once again in their own countries.

"I just think somebody has to take the initiative and if Pakistan needs to go and play in India or at a neutral venue to break the ice we should do it," Latif said.

"I think the people in both countries and also the players want to see Indo-Pak matches on a regular basis. These matches are something very special for the players and the people."

Latif was speaking amid signs of a thaw in relations between nuclear-armed rivals Pakistan and India.

The presidents of the Pakistan and Indian Boards met in Dubai on Saturday at the Asian cricket foundation (AFC) meeting to break the deadlock arising out of the Indian government's refusal to sanction matches with Pakistan.

Tauqir Zia and Jagmohan Dalmiya said after the meeting they were positive signals that permission would come but did not give a deadline.

Pakistan pulled out of the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka last month after the Indian government refused its team permission to play a scheduled Test series in Pakistan in protest at Islamabad's alleged support of militancy in Kashmir.

But Zia has said that Pakistan are willing to consider playing India at a neutral venue and even in the Asia Cup if New Delhi sanctions ties.

Pakistan and India last met in aTest series in early 1999 when Pakistan toured India despite threats from Hindu militants.