PM's double invite to cricket summit stumps Pakistan government

NEW DELHI: Pakistan is yet to respond to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's invitation to Yousuf Raza Gilani, its Prime Minister, to attend the cricket World Cup semifinal between the two nations in Mohali, but has welcomed New Delhi's efforts in cricket diplomacy.

With Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani back in Pakistan from Ukbekistan, the government is discussing the invitation. Indications are that Gilani will attend the cricket match on Wednesday.

Singh invited Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Gilani on Friday. A decision was expected once Prime Minister Gilani returned from Ukbekistan, where he was on a state visit. Gilani was to return to Islamabad on Friday, but reached on Saturday. "We have asked for details and serious consideration will be given to it once we return to Pakistan," said a top aide of Gilani who was with him in Tashkent.

Singh's invite to both its top leaders has caused some snafu in the Pakistani side. Islamabad is said to be considering asking New Delhi for an explanation about this. The standard practice is to invite one dignitary. It is expected that New Delhi would be asked to clear the confusion. Still, there is a likelihood that Gilani will attend the match because he holds the executive power. Diplomatic sources said Pakistan would demonstrate its sportsman spirit while responding to the invitation, provided the Indian explanation reaches in time.

A high-stake cricket match has suddenly attained greater importance after Singh's invitation marks an attempt to turn the contest into a stage to repair the relationship between the two countries. Though the move has been welcomed, both sides are planning to exhibit caution. The presence of the Pakistani prime minister in the audience along with India's premier could contribute to atmospherics.