ISLAMABAD (PTI) - Bilateral hockey ties between India and Pakistan are almost certain to be revived this year with both the countries playing three matches apiece on either side of the border, Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik has said. "Good news for hockey lovers. As patron of Hockey, we have agreed in principle to have 3 matches in India and 3 matches in Pak, within this year," he wrote on his Twitter account. "Hockey matches between India and Pakistan will be great sporting activity," Malik added. India and Pakistan are already working to resume bilateral cricket ties this year with a three-match ODI series. The Cricket Boards of both countries are trying to find a window in their tight international schedule in the wake of the resumption of the bilateral peace process. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who visited Mohali last month to watch the India-Pakistan World Cup semifinal, had earlier said the Boards of the two countries are holding negotiations for renewing cricket ties.