PM Modi extends Sharif World Cup 2015 wishes, Foreign Secy to go on SAARC Yatra

With the ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup starting from Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the SAARC nations well who are participating in the mega event. SAARC nations Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are participating in the World Cup alongside defending champions India.

New Delhi: With the ICC 2015 Cricket World Cup starting from Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the SAARC nations well who are participating in the mega event. The Premier also said that he would be sending India's new Foreign Secretary on a SAARC Yatra soon to further strengthen ties in the region.

SAARC nations Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are participating in the World Cup alongside defending champions India.

Modi stated that the sport connects people in the South Asian region and promotes goodwill.

He hoped players from SAARC nations will play with passion and bring laurels to the region. PM Modi expressed his views on micro-blogging website, Twitter.

Cricket 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, 2015

He further stated that these five SAARC nations are excited about the World Cup. And that he is sure the event will celebrate sportsman spirit and also will be a treat for sports lovers alike.

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, 2015

The PM further said that he has spoken to all his counterparts of other four SAARC nations and wished them all the best.

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, 2015

On Thursday, PM Modi had wished each player of the Indian squad individually through Twitter.

India's vice-captain Virat Kohli thanked Modi on Friday for his wishes and stated the team will give their best.Thank You for your best wishes @narendramodi sir. We are ready to give it our all. Jai Hind!

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 13, 2015

Fellow India batsman Ajinkya Rahane also thanked the Prime Minister and stated it means a lot to him.

@narendramodi thank you so much sir:) it really means lot to me. — ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) February 12, 2015

Shikhar Dhawan also thanked PM Modi and stated that the team will be fully ready for the Indo-Pak clash and he hopes it will be a good Cup run for the hosts.

Thanks @narendramodi sir for your wishes & support Team poori tyaar hai 15 ke match ke liye and its gonna be grt world cup fr us! Rabb rakha — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 12, 2015

India are clubbed in Group B along with Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies, Ireland, Zimbabwe and United Arab Emirates.

They open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday at the Adelaide Oval.

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