Gilani calls Afridi, wishes him good luck
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday said the Pakistani cricket team should demonstrate the "best of sportsmanship" in the World Cup semi-final with India on Wednesday irrespective of the result of the match.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: March 29, 2011 09:09 AM IST
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday said the Pakistani cricket team should demonstrate the "best of sportsmanship" in the World Cup semi-final with India on Wednesday irrespective of the result of the match.
Gilani made the remarks while talking on phone to Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi.
The premier wished the best of luck to the team for the semi-final to be played at Mohali in India.
He conveyed the "sentiments and prayers of the whole nation for the success of the team", said a statement issued by Gilani's office.
"Irrespective of the result of the match, the team should demonstrate the best of sportsmanship and dedication to the contest," Gilani said.
The Prime Minister further said that while accepting his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh's invitation to watch the match in Mohali, it was in his heart to be present on the occasion to express solidarity with the players of the Pakistan cricket team.
Afridi assured the Prime Minister that each member of the Pakistani team would put in his best performance for a favourable result.
Gilani spoke to the Pakistani captain hours after Interior Minister Rehman Malik warned the team not to get involved in match-fixing, saying he would be keeping a close watch on the players.