ICC World Cup: Modi wishes heads of SAARC nations

New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, along with the heads of SAARC nations, to convey his best wishes for their teams who are participating in the ICC cricket World Cup 2015, a statement said Friday.

The prime minister tweeted Friday that he had spoken to Sharif and the heads of other SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries whose teams are playing in the World Cup to wish them luck.

"Spoke to President @ashrafghani, PM Sheikh Hasina, PM Nawaz Sharif and President Sirisena. Conveyed my best wishes for the Cricket World Cup," the prime minister tweeted.

Noting that five SAARC nations are playing and are excited about the World Cup, Modi said: "Am sure WC will celebrate sportsman spirit and will be a treat for sports lovers."

"Cricket connects people in our region and promotes goodwill. Hope players from SAARC region play with passion and bring laurels to the region," he said.

The prime minister informed Nawaz Sharif about India's initiative to send new Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar on a "SAARC yatra" or tour of South Asian countries, including Pakistan.

"Would be sending our new foreign secretary on a SAARC Yatra soon to further strengthen our ties," the prime minister said.

India take on Pakistan in their first World Cup 2015 match in Adelaide Sunday.

As the World Cup began Thursday, Modi had tweeted individual wishes for each member of Team India, including skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and vice captain Virat Kohli.