Mohali match improved Pakistan-Indian ties: Gilani
April 12th, 2011 - 1:21 pm ICT by IANS
Islamabad, April 12 (IANS) The cricket World Cup semifinal match between India and Pakistan in Mohali has proved to be a catalyst for improving ties between the two countries, says Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
Gilani made the remark Monday at a reception hosted by him in honour of the national cricket team, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
He said the semifinal played between Pakistan and India had brought the two governments and two nations closer.
“It is not the question of winning or losing by one country; In fact the winner is the cricket and the people of Pakistan and India,” he was quoted as saying.
The cricket team led by Captain Shahid Afridi along with Pakistan Cricket Board chairperson Ejaz Butt, coach Waqar Younis and assistant coach Aqib Javed were present.
On March 30, India beat Pakistan by 29 runs in the thrilling semifinal in Mohali that was witnessed by Gilani and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh. Gilani’s visit to Mohali was dubbed cricket diplomacy.
India went on to lift the World Cup by trouncing Sri Lanka April 2 in Mumbai by six wickets.
Prime Minister Gilani praised the cricket team for its superb performance in the World Cup in which they reached the semi-finals.
He announced Rs.1 million for each team player and Rs.5 lakh each for the management.
Gilani appreciated the cricketers for proving their mettle in difficult circumstances and overcoming the wave of ’sports conspiracies’.
He said he was in favour of continuity of cricket matches between the two countries as it would help develop positive thinking besides providing a friendly entertainment on both sides.
Afridi told the media that his upcoming tour to West Indies was important.
“This cricket team is not just the composition of 12 players; it is the team of 17 crore people and the media,” he said.
- Pak's World Cup cricketers get Rs one million each - Apr 12, 2011
- Indo-Pak cricket rivalry bigger than Ashes: Waqar - Apr 15, 2011
- Pakistan team closely followed India-Oz game - Mar 25, 2011
- Manmohan invites Zardari, Gilani for cricket -- and peace (Intro Roundup) - Mar 25, 2011
- Lahore HC moved against Pak cricket team on match-fixing charges in WC semi-final - Mar 31, 2011
- Manmohan, Zardari, Gilani to watch cricket -- for peace (Roundup) - Mar 25, 2011
- Akram backs Afridi's 'Pak should not play WC quarterfinal in India' statement - Mar 04, 2011
- Pak cricket team has "no security concerns about going to India" for WC semis: Waqar - Mar 24, 2011
- Manmohan invites Zardari, Gilani for cricket -- and peace (Night Intro) - Mar 26, 2011
- Gilani accepts Manmohan's invite for World Cup semifinal (Lead) - Mar 27, 2011
- WC semi-final: Nehra comes in for Ashwin - Mar 30, 2011
- Gilani, Manmohan meet teams before match begins - Mar 30, 2011
- Afridi "very happy" on Pak reaching World Cup semis but plays down title chances - Mar 25, 2011
- Gilani congratulates Manmohan on India's World Cup victory - Apr 03, 2011
- Gilani to invite Pakistan cricketers to acknowledge World Cup performance - Apr 01, 2011
Tags: aqib javed, assistant coach, board chairperson, conspiracies, cricket matches, cricket world cup, ejaz, india and pakistan, india beat, indian counterpart, manmohan, manmohan singh, mettle, national cricket team, pakistan cricket board, positive thinking, shahid, waqar younis, wickets, yousuf