Mohali cricket match proved a boost for Pak-Indian ties: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, April 11 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Monday that the semi-final match played between the cricket teams of Pakistan and India had proved as a catalyst in improving relations between the two beighbouring countries. The Prime Minister expressed these views at a reception hosted by him in honour of the national cricket team at the PM House. The ceremony turned into a celebrity-studded evening attended by the ‘green-shirts’ Captain Shahid Afridi and his team members, Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Ejaz Butt, Coach Waqar Younis and Assistant Coach Aqib Javed.
Prime Minister Gilani paid rich tribute to the cricket team for its superb performance in the World Cup that led them to the semi-finals.
He announced Rs one million for each team player and Rs 5 lakh each for the management persons in recognition of their efforts.
The reception featured a candid and frank atmosphere as Prime Minister Gilani mingled with the players and interacted with them individually. He appreciated the team members for proving their mettle in difficult circumstances and overcoming the wave of ‘sports conspiracies’.
The Prime Minister said that the semi-final played between Pakistan and India in Mohali 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 said.
He favoured for continuity of cricket matches between the two countries, which he said, would help develop positive thinking besides providing a friendly entertainment on both sides.
The Prime Minister said earlier the sports was patronized at regional level; however, the present government was pursuing the policy of encouraging it at national level.
He mentioned Federal Sports Minister Engineer Shaukatullah, who belonged to the under-privileged FATA (Federally Administered  Tribal Areas) and said his appointment reflected the government’s intention to ensure a conducive atmosphere for sports even to far-flung areas.
On devolving the sports ministry, Gilani said that the decision was in accordance with the 18th Constitutional Amendment which enjoyed the unopposed support of parliamentarians.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan told reporters that the Prime Minister had decided to encourage the popular sports, including cricket, hockey and football, at domestic and national levels.
He said that the Prime Minister’s announcement for token money to the cricket players was in recognition to their services.
Captain Shahid Afridi told newsmen that his upcoming tour to West Indies was important, for which the youngsters had been given an opportunity.
He expressed gratitude to the government for appreciating the players.
“This cricket team is not just the composition of 12 players; it is the team of 17 crore people and the media,” he said.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Sports Minister Engineer Shaukatullah also attended the reception.