Prime Minister to watch Indo-Pak WC semi-final in Mohali

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will watch the World Cup semi final between India and Pakistan in Mohali on Wednesday. He has also invited Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari to watch the match. In identical letters to Asif Ali Zardari and Yousaf Raza Gilani, he said, "There is huge excitement over the match and we are all looking forward to a great game of cricket that will be a victory for sport." "It gives me great pleasure to invite you to visit Mohali and join me and the millions of fans from our two countries to watch the match," he said in the letters to both the leaders.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's office welcomed the invitation saying, "We welcome the initiative from Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh." Pakistan said the decision will be taken as soon as the Prime Minister returns from Tashkent on Sunday." India and Pakistan cricket teams have not played any match in India after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. Reacting to the step by the Prime Minister, Pakistan Social Commentator Asma Jahangir said, "This is a very positive step for the people of India and Pakistan. Pakistani citizens are also very positive about the match." "Cricket diplomacy is always very welcome," she added.