Pakistani PM Yousuf Raza Gillani said that the cricket team has united the nation by winning the ICC World T20.

Speaking at a reception for the members of the World Cup winning team in Islamabad last night, Gillani said Pakistan will look to win over terrorism just the way cricketers have overcome their rivals in the field.

"The cricketers have done us proud by winning the World Cup and more importantly they have helped unite the nation in these testing times," said Gillani, who also announced a cash award of Rs 10 million for the team.

"The World Cup has brought some comfort and joy to the people. Like the cricket team we will also eventually defeat the terrorists as one nation," Gillani added.

The reception was attended by senior ministers and government officials besides the Chairman of the Pakistan cricket Board Ejaz Butt.

The players joined the Prime Minister and other ministers in singing the national anthem on stage and waving the national flag to big applause.

Gillani said cricket was a unifying sport in Pakistan and the players had shown what can be achieved through hard work and unity.

"The nation is proud of your achievement and we hope you will continue to bring us more happiness and victories to celebrate," Gillani said.

Skipper Younis Khan said they had never imagined that winning the World Cup would have had such an impact on their countrymen.

"The reception and adulation we have received since Sunday is heart warming. We feel as proud as the nation on winning this World Cup," Younis said.

The Pakistan skipper assured the participants that the players would continue to work hard to carry on their good performances and bring joy to the people.

"We are just happy that we could bring some happiness to the people who have faced lot of difficulties in recent times," he said.

President Asif Zardari has also invited the players to a reception at the President house today in which he will give them the cash awards.

The players are due to leave for Sri Lanka tomorrow night for a Test tour