Irrespective of the result, the team should demonstrate the best of sportsmanship and dedication to contest: PM Gilani.—AFP photo

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani telephoned Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi on Monday and wished him and other members of team best of luck in the semi-final. “Irrespective of the result, the team should demonstrate the best of sportsmanship and dedication to contest,” an official statement quoted Gilani as saying.

He added that while accepting the invitation of his Indian counterpart, “it was in his heart to be present on the occasion to express solidarity with the players of the Pakistani cricket team.”

“Afridi assured the Prime Minister that each member of the team would put in his best performance for a favourable result,” the statement said.