New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his Pakistani counterpart Friday to wish his cricket team luck in an ice-breaker conversation ahead of a World Cup grudge match between the arch rivals.
Modi said "cricket connects people in our region and promotes goodwill" after speaking with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and other South Asian leaders whose country's teams are playing in the World Cup starting Saturday.
"Spoke to President @ashrafghani, PM Sheikh Hasina, PM Nawaz Sharif & President Sirisena. Conveyed my best wishes for the Cricket World Cup," Modi also tweeted.
"Hope players from SAARC region play with passion & bring laurels to the region," he said, referring to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
Spoke to President @ashrafghani, PM Sheikh Hasina, PM Nawaz Sharif & President Sirisena. Conveyed my best wishes for the Cricket World Cup.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2015Narendra Modi took to Twitter to let the world know about his interaction with Sharif and others.
5 SAARC Nations are playing & are excited about the World Cup.Am sure WC will celebrate sportsman spirit & will be a treat for sports lovers
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2015Cricket connects people in our region & promotes goodwill. Hope players from SAARC region play with passion & bring laurels to the region.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 13, 2015On Thursday, Modi wished Team India, in a series of tweets. While he called Virat Kohli flamboyant, he jokingly referred Ravindra Jadeja 'Sir'.
As the 2015 Cricket World Cup begins, my best wishes to the Indian Cricket Team. ???? ??? ??, ?????? ?? ??? ??? ??!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015My best wishes to captain cool @msdhoni. Play hard, lead well & make India proud. Knowing you, I am sure you will.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015I wish our flamboyant vice captain @imVkohli the very best for the upcoming campaign. The entire nation has a lot of hopes on him.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015Best wishes @SDhawan25! Give India a wonderful start every time you step on the pitch. Score many many runs, we are all there to cheer you.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015The only batsman to score 2 double centuries in ODIs, @ImRo45's talent has millions of fans. Make us proud once again!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015I wish you the very best my young friend @ajinkyarahane88. Have a wonderful World Cup. Make the most of this great opportunity.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015Suresh Raina has always been agile on the field & hard-hitting with the bat. Hit them out of the park, including the bouncers :) @ImRaina
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015Have a great tournament @RayuduAmbati. I am sure you will keep the runs coming & play a key role in the tournament.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015Who is not a fan of Sir Jadeja? We all look forward to seeing your all round performances take India to victory! @imjadeja
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015The young Axar Patel can trick the batsmen with his sharp spin & bounce. Give your best & play without pressure!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015Best of luck @BhuviOfficial! Swing every match in our favour. Your breakthroughs will determine how fast we will win those matches!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015Our young fast bowler Mohit Sharma can bowl a great line & length. He is a great asset to the team. Best of luck.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015I wish my young & extremely talented friend, Mohammed Shami the very best for the World Cup. Play well & get those wickets.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015Stuart Binny’s recent all round performances have impressed all. We wish him all the best for the World Cup.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015Good luck @y_umesh. Bowl out the batsmen with your impressive speed & reverse swing.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015I am sure your spin bowling will surprise the batsman & give us victory. Play well @Ashwinravi99! My good wishes.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2015
