One might have to wait to know the political fall out of the meeting of the Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers who were here to watch the World Cup semi-final, but moves are afoot to improve the cricketing relations between the two countries
One might have to wait to know the political fall out of the meeting of the Indian and Pakistani Prime Ministers who were here to watch the World Cup semi-final, but moves are afoot to improve the cricketing relations between the two countries.
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| Pakistan PM Yousuf Raza Gilani looks on as he sits beside PM Manmohan Singh (right) during the World Cup semi-final in Mohali yesterday. Pic/AFP |
Visiting PM Yusuf Gilani yesterday urged his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh as well as Sharad Pawar, President of the International Cricket Council and a Union Minister, to help bring international cricket back to Pakistan and also revive bilateral cricket series.
International teams have refused to tour Pakistan since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009 and the country has been hosting its home matches either in neutral venues or in opposition's home.
"Our Prime Minister discussed with the Indian Prime Minister about Pakistan once again hosting international cricket. Our PM also talked about resuming bilateral series with India.
"He discussed these issues with the ICC President as well," Gilani's Aide-de Camp (ADC), Wing Commander Shahzad Fatah, told MiD DAY yesterday.
Gilani and Manmohan Singh met the players of both teams before the start of the match. The Pakistani PM waved at the Indian spectators who responded with a huge cheer.
"He (Gilani) has been overwhelmed. He has enjoyed every moment of his visit. We are happy to come to India to watch such a good game of cricket, especially India and Pakistan playing in a World Cup semi-final.
Whatever the result of the match, we want cricket to win," Fatah said.
"Whether Pakistan reach the final or not, the team will be felicitated when they arrive home, that's for sure. A few months ago, Pakistan cricket was nowhere, now the team is playing in the semi-final. They deserve it," he added.
