Zardari announces cash awards for triumphant Pak team

Islamabad, June 22 (ANI): Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has announced awards for the country's victorious cricket team, which beat Sri Lanka in the finals of the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup at Lords'.

Zardari announced awards of 1 million rupees each for Pakistan captain Younis Khan and man of the match Shahid Afridi, and Rs 500,000 each for the rest of the players from the president's discretionary fund, the Daily Times reports.

In his messages to the captain and manager of the national cricket team, Zardari termed the victory as one of the most magnificent moments in the history of national cricket.

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also felicitated the cricket team by calling Younis Khan to congratulate him and the team on their splendid performance.

Meanwhile, Pakistanis across the globe celebrated team's victory over Sri Lanka in their own way.

Restaurants and community centres in New York, which had made special arrangements for the finals, served free food and tea to Pakistanis who came to watch the match.

Jubilant Pakistanis chanted slogans of "Pakistan zindabad" as Shahid Afridi's unbeaten 54-runs innings steered Pakistan to the title.

Pakistanis in London celebrated the victory in typical Pakistani style by dancing to the beat of drums and distributing sweets. (ANI)