Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani called up Pakistani cricket captain Shahid Afridi and asked the team to play its best against India in the crucial World Cup semi-final  at Mohali. “Prayers of the entire nation are with you (the team) for your win in the upcoming semi-final against India,” Geo News quoted Gilani as telling Afridi.

The prime minister also spoke highly of the team's performance in the World Cup so far.

He said he will be going to India for their encouragement, the News International said.

Shahid Afridi said his each teammate will give his 100 percent to win the match.

Gilani will be travelling to Mohali in India's Punjab state on an invitation of his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh. The visit has been called cricket diplomacy.