We stand united behind cricket: Marriyum

ISLAMABAD: Despite their differences, Pakistanis stand united behind cricket, and the Pakistan Super League is a testament to a sport that has served as a beacon of hope, a source of pride for Pakistan, State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Saturday.

In a statement, the minister said cricket has held a strong emotional significance for Pakistanis who have celebrated, on an international platform, with joy and pride their countless victories and our cricketing heroes, lamented and debated our losses.



Marriyum added that win or lose on the field, as a nation, the love of the game and country has always been inextricably linked.

She said it is not surprising that despite the recent cowardly terror attacks, this “determined and resilient nation” has not been deterred as the tickets to the PSL final were sold in a matter of hours.

She also stated that the prime minister holds the view that the PSL final is more than just a cricket match, it will go down in history, as the moment we gave a message to the brutal and savage terrorists that our hearts and resolves are stronger than their failing and almost obliterated campaign of fear.



It is “a recognition of our fallen brothers and sisters who have made the ultimate sacrifice defeating the terrorists that their sacrifices were not in vain, she said.

She also lauded the Punjab government, members of the armed forces, Punjab police and all the respected agencies and law enforcement agencies which have collaborated to ensure that the PSL final will be a celebrated event.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2017.