Lauding the recent India-Pakistan cricket series for helping bring peace and harmony to the subcontinent, the United Nations has termed the two teams as "role models" for other countries to emulate.

In a letter to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyar M. Khan, Adolf Ogi, special advisor to the UN secretary general on sport for development and peace, said the March-April series between the two countries in India has "set a great example" for other nations.

"I believe that both national cricket teams are pioneers in the quest for peace and stability in South Asia and can serve as role models for other countries and regions around the world," PCB quoted Ogi as saying in his letter.

The Indian and Pakistan teams played the matches in sporting spirit while fans of the two countries mingled freely to create an unprecedented bonhomie during the 50-day tour.

"The universal language of sport has the power to attract, inspire and engage people regardless of ethnicity, religion or social background," wrote Ogi.

"The passion for cricket, shared by both Pakistanis and Indians at matches, provides a unifying experience that sheds light on human and cultural similarities."

Ogi said that in 2005, the year declared by UN as International Year of Sport and Physical Education (IYSPE), the India-Pakistan series would set a good precedent for bringing peace to the region.

"I am convinced that sport is a positive life changing force that can help create a better world. I believe that the recent India-Pakistan cricket series has set a great example that will illuminate the IYSPE 2005," he said.

IYSPE 2005 is expected to promote the use of sport as a tool for education, health, development and peace as proclaimed by a UN General Assembly resolution.

--Indo-Asian News Service