Cricket diplomacy worthwhile only if Pakistan changes attitude: BJP

The BJP on Tuesday insisted that initiatives like the 'cricket diplomacy' will succeed only if Pakistan stops cross border terrorism and helps in arresting perpetrators of 26/11 terror attacks.

On Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's invitation, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will be travelling to Mohali to watch India-Pakistan World Cup semifinal cricket match today.

"There is nothing wrong in inviting the Pakistan Prime Minister to witness the India-Pakistan match. But it (cricket diplomacy) would be worth only if Pakistan stops cross border terrorism," BJP spokesperson Prakash Jawdekar told reporters here.

Islamabad should stop sending terrorists from its soil and help in arresting perpetrators of 26/11 terror attacks, he said.

The home secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan, ahead of Gilani's visit, has not produced the desired results, Jawdekar claimed.

India always wants friendly relationship with neighbouring countries like Pakistan, the BJP spokesman said, adding but there is a need for change of attitude of Pakistan on handling sensitive issues.