Pak’s World Cup cricketers get Rs. 1 million each

Islamabad (ANI): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has presented a sum of Rs.one million each to each member of Pakistan’s World Cup squad that managed to reach the semi-final of event inspite of not playing regular international fixtures since March 2009.

Gilani described the semi-final between Pakistan and India at Mohali as a catalyst in improving relations between both countries.

He was speaking at a reception hosted by him in honour of the national cricket team here at the Prime Minister House on Monday.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt, coach Waqar Younis, assistant coach Aqib Javed, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Sports Minister Engineer Shaukatullah were among the others present on the occasion.

Gilani also announced a sum of Rs 0.5 million for each member of the team management.

He interacted with the players individually and appreciated the team members for proving their mettle in difficult circumstances and overcoming the wave of ‘sports conspiracies’.

The Daily Times quoted him, as saying: “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 the continuity of cricket matches between the two countries would help develop positive thinking besides providing a friendly entertainment on both sides.