Indian cricketers on Wednesday departed from New Delhi for their tour of Pakistan.

The 15-member team, led by Sourav Ganguly, boarded a special Indian Airlines flight amidst cheers of 'goodbye' and 'all the best' from fans who thronged Indira Gandhi International Airport.

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The crowd, numbering in hundreds, whistled and broke into a huge applause as Sachin Tendulkar stepped out of the team bus.

A tight security ring made sure the players had enough breathing space as they walked into the terminal. A couple of them, like Hemang Badani, acknowledged the crowd with thumbs-ups.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs briefed them on the significance of the series, being dubbed as a 'goodwill tour'.

The players were also extended good wishes by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who urged them not only to win the matches, but also the hearts of Pakistanis.

India are visiting Pakistan for a full-fledged series for the first time since 1989-90.

Beginning March 13, they will play a series of five one-day internationals and three Tests before returning home on April 18.