International sports: Rashid says Pakistan is safe for international events

T-20 series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka starts

FAISALABAD:

“The visit of Sri Lankan blind cricket team to Pakistan a year after Zimbabwe visited us indicates that Pakistan has reemerged as a safe country for international events,” Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Minister Pervaiz Rashid said on Sunday.

He was speaking to reporters ahead of the first T-20 match between Pakistan and Sri Lankan blind cricket teams at Iqbal Stadium.

Rashid said the government was committed to promoting sports activities and making efforts to restore the confidence of international community in Pakistan. He thanked the Sri Lankan team for taking the “bold decision” of playing a series in Pakistan. “It will send a clear and loud message to the international community that Pakistan is safe for international games,” he said.

The minister said Sri Lanka had also supported Pakistan to fight dengue virus. “Pakistan has controlled the disease with support from Sri Lanka,” he said.

Earlier, Pakistani captain Muhammad Jameel and Sri Lankan captain Ravan Wasantha welcomed the minister at the stadium.

The series will continue in Faisalabad until April 5.

Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) Chairman Syed Sultan Shah, acting Faisalabad District Coordination Officer Ejaz Khaliq Razzaqi and City Police Officer Afzaal Kausar were also present on the occasion.

Sri Lankan Blind Cricket Association President and team manager Nobert Salva had said on Saturday Sri Lanka would support Pakistan for the promotion of the game.

Speaking at a press conference, he said, “We are thankful to the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council for providing us with an opportunity to come to Pakistan and play cricket series.” “We will also invite Pakistani team to Sri Lanka if resources are available for the purpose,” he said.

Syed Sultan Shah said, “Through the series, we want to give a message to the world that Pakistan is a safe place for such activities.”

Traffic plan

The City Traffic Police has made a plan for the smooth flow of traffic during the tournament. Chief Traffic Officer Arif Shehbaz said more than 100 traffic wardens and 15 inspectors and deputy superintendents would be on duty for the purpose. He said diversions had been set up at six sites, including Canal Chowk, the stadium and Fun Land.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th,  2016.