Musharraf plays host to India, Pakistan cricket teams by AFP

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Event:

India in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 11th February 2006

 

President Pervez Musharraf praised the fighting spirit of both the Pakistan and the Indian cricket teams during their current matches at a tea party he hosted for them here on Friday.

 

"The president praised the spirit and discipline of both the teams, describing them as true ambassadors of their countries," Pakistan Cricket Board director Abbas Zaidi quoted the president as saying.

 

Musharraf, a self confessed cricket fan who visited India to watch the sixth one-day match in New Delhi last year, praised Pakistan for winning the three-Test series against India.

 

"I switched off my television after Pakistan team collapsed to 39 for six but when I was told about the recovery, I switched my set on and then followed the game," Musharraf told the teams.

 

He was referring to Pakistan's collapse on the first day of the third and final Test in Karachi before recovering to 245 through a fighting hundred by Kamran Akmal.

 

"Well done Akmal. You played an excellent innings and I am proud of you," he said after his 113 in the third Test, according to Zaidi.

 

Pakistan achieved their biggest Test win by 341-runs in Karachi to clinch the series 1-0 after two high-scoring draws in Lahore and Faisalabad.

 

They now lead the five-match one-day series 1-0 with the second match scheduled for Rawalpindi on Saturday.

 

Musharraf praised Indian batting master Sachin Tendulkar for his century against Pakistan in the first one-day match at Peshawar on Monday.

 

"The (Indian) team was delighted to meet the President who is a keen follower of the game and narrated each and every incident of the series which amazed the players," Indian team media manager Gursewak Singh Walia said.

 

The tourists presented a plaque carrying the sketches of 12 Pakistani cricketers to Musharraf.

 

The Pakistani team later Friday held prayers with Musharraf who is also expected to watch the second one-day international in Islamabad.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 AFP)