Islamabad: Terming the India-Pak cricket series beginning at Karachi tomorrow (Mar 13, 2004) as a very special occasion, Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf said the series would begin a new era in sports relations between the two countries and urged the Pakistani public to extend traditional hospitality to Indian players and enjoy good cricket without getting carried away by emotions.

In a brief message to the nation over the State television PTV today ahead of tomorrow's opening match, General Musharraf said the Indian tour to Pakistan after a gap of 15 years would herald a new era in sports relations between India and Pakistan.

Urging the people of Pakistan to extend traditional hospitality to Indian players, he said, "It is not the question of win or loss, good performance should be appreciated."

He said people of Pakistan should show to the Indian guests that "we are a disciplined nation and we appreciate the good performance" and asked the nation to avoid tension during the game, as it would lower the standard of the game.

He also asked both the teams to teams to give good performance so that people could enjoy the matches.