CENTURION, March 1: Sports is considered a great leveler and it was demonstrated here on Saturday when Pakistan and Indian players shook hands before the start of the proceedings at Super Sport Park.

Facing each other for the first time since June 3, 2000, when Pakistan beat India by 44 runs in the Asia Cup at Dhaka, the respective skippers, Saurav Ganguly and Waqar Younis, exchanged team’s ties.

The gesture of goodwill shown by the two teams was appreciated by Dr Ali Bacher, executive director of Cricket World Cup 2003.

“Once again, cricket is demonstrating its power to being together people of different cultures, religions and races and we would like to congratulate both the Indians and Pakistanis on their gesture to strengthen ties between their two countries,” Dr Bacher remarked.