Classic win wins all-round plaudits

PM, president congratulate the nation; COAS announces Umrah trip for all team players

KARACHI: Felicitations from all quarters started pouring in after Pakistan thrashed arch-rival India in the Champions Trophy final to clinch the title.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif congratulated the nation over Pakistan's classic victory.

He highly appreciated the entire team for playing extraordinarily and defeating the opponent team with a heavy margin.

“Players and management of the team deserve the nation's profound gratitude and appreciation for their remarkable performances displayed today," PM's Office media wing in a press release quoted the prime minister as saying.

Sharif further said the Pakistani team proved to be one of the best cricket teams in the world. The team has provided an excellent opportunity for the entire nation to rejoice in the holy month of Ramazan, he added.



The prime minister expressed the confidence that the Pakistani team would continue to put in their best in all formats of the game in the days ahead.

In his message, President Mamnoon Hussain felicitated the nation and national cricket team on winning.

The president also congratulated the Pakistan Cricket Board on this achievement, said a press release.   He said the national cricket team had attained historic victory through its commitment and resolve.

Praising the marvellous performance of the players, the president said that hard work, passion and unflinching resolve paved the way to great successes.

“Pakistan cricket team had achieved tremendous success with the same commitment,” he said, adding like in cricket, great accomplishments could also be attained in different fields of life through common resolve and unity.

The military leadership also congratulated the Pakistani team on their win.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa while congratulating the team announced Umrah trip for the players. “Nothing beats team work, Pakistan is a team against every threat,” the army chief was quoted as saying by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).



The military’s media wing also shared a message from the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mahmood Hayat congratulating the team and the nation on the ‘historic victory’.



Air and naval chiefs also congratulated the team and the nation.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair also felicitated the players.

“Winning ICC Champions Trophy is an extraordinary achievement,” Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said.

Imran Khan too seemed to be on the same page with the government in congratulating the winning team but did not shy away from taking a jibe at the PML-N–led government.

“Pakistan have defeated India to become CT17 Champions. Now the whole nation awaits the defeat of the corrupt mafia,” the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief said in a tweet.

Pakistan have defeated India to become #CT17 Champions. Now the whole nation awaits the defeat of the corrupt mafia

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 18, 2017

He also appreciated Pakistani opener “Fakhar's raw talent in action”.

The sports fraternity also came forward to show their support for the Pakistani team.

“So proud. Pakistan played like winners and now are champions of the world. Tonight belongs to the heroes in the green and white,” former cricketer Wasim Akram said in a Twitter message.

So proud. Pakistan played like winners and now are champions of the world. Tonight belongs to the heroes in the Green and white #bringItHome

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) June 18, 2017

“Wow wow wow unbelievable performance by team green. It feels like deja'vu after winning the 1992 World Cup. I am over the moon.” he added.

Shahid Afridi also congratulated the team saying that the performance would be remembered long by both Indian and Pakistani fans.



“Pakistan have made this CT17 truly memorable,” he said.

The former captain Misbahul Haq also used Twitter to share his delight.  “Boys you made us happy and proud. Up and above from here!” he tweeted.

Pakistan’s outstanding performance also earned them high praise from international cricket players.

“No one gave them a chance, but here they are well deserve Champions..” former West Indies captain Darren Sammy said.

Indian players also felicitated the winning team.

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag congratulated Pakistan on a “really comprehensive victory”.

“Well played, deserved winners and a great result for Pakistan cricket,” he said.

Congratulations Pakistan on a really comprehensive victory today. Well played, deserved winners and a great result for Pakistan cricket.

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 18, 2017

(WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM APP)