Gift World T20 title to nation: Zardari tells Younis

Karachi:

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday urged the country's cricketers to give of their best in the final of the World T20 against Sri Lanka on Sunday and win the title for the nation.

The President called up captain Younis Khan in London and reminded him that the country was passing through a very difficult phase and victory for Pakistan could provide some cheer, media reports said.

"Give the nation a gift by winning the World T20 title," the source quoted the President as telling to Younis. Zardari told Younis the team was in a unique position to bring smile on the faces of millions of people back home who are going through tough times.

Younis apparently assured the President the team would fight till the end to win the final and not let their countrymen down.

Following Pakistan's progress to the World T20 final, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Ejaz Butt, met the players over breakfast and exchanged views with them.

Butt also announced a cash prize of 50 lakh rupees for all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who was adjudged man of the match in the semi-final against South Africa.

Pakistan players were also assured of special cash prizes if they win the final which they had lost to India two years back.