Seeking to bring cricket diplomacy into play ahead of the arrival of the Indian cricket team, Pakistan on Thursday said it would invite Prime Minister Manmohan Singh if he wishes to watch one of the matches.
As the media in Islamabad speculated about the possibility of Singh's visit, much on the lines of the visit of Gen. Pervez Musharraf to India last year during Pakistan team's tour there, Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said on its part Islamabad would welcome the reciprocal visit by Singh.
Asked whether Pakistan had extended an invitation, she said "not as yet". However, she added in the same breath, "I cannot confirm it nor rule it out. If prime minister wishes to come, an invitation will be extended".
"The Indian team is arriving on a 45-day tour. It is long enough for anything to happen. Hopefully for the best," she said.
The Indian team is scheduled to play three Test matches beginning with the first on January 13 followed by five one-day matches starting on February 6.
India had invited Gen. Musharraf last year during the tour of Pakistan cricket team there after the General said in a newspaper interview that he was not averse to going over to watch a cricket match if invited.
{{/usCountry}}India had invited Gen. Musharraf last year during the tour of Pakistan cricket team there after the General said in a newspaper interview that he was not averse to going over to watch a cricket match if invited.
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