ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan cricket team was honoured with a grand reception by the Prime Minister (PM) Yusuf Raza Gilani, which was held at the PM house on Monday.
After a heart wrenching loss to arch-rivals India, in the World Cup semi finals almost two weeks ago, the team was welcomed back by the PM stating that “it was just a game and the nation should not take it too seriously.”
The reception was originally scheduled for last week, but was postponed due to the death anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. However, the PM held the “grand” event to assure the team of the nation’s support.
Before the reception, Gilani met with the team’s captain, Shahid Afridi, and the rest of the players. He congratulated them on their performance throughout the World Cup. The team which was out-of-favour from cricket experts and fans alike, managed to finish in the top four. This was duly acknowledged by the PM and other officials.
The main hall of the PM house was filled with guests, government officials, politicians and journalists that had come together to pay tribute to the team. The team, dressed in green blazers, was spotted mingling with everyone. A relatively relaxed environment allowed all to enjoy tea and snacks together.
Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board Ejaz Butt and the team’s coach Waqar Younis were also among the participants.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Umar Gul, who is famous for his ‘lethal yorkers’, said that the team played well and it was nice to see how people supported them throughout. Adding to that, famous all-rounder, Abdul Razaq, said, “The event hosted by the PM was a great gesture and demonstrated the fact that we are united like a family no matter what.”
Likewise, Afridi appreciated the PM’s efforts and said, “We thank him and the whole nation for being so supportive. We will play the way we did or even better in West Indies.”
Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Sports Minister Engineer Shaukatullah and Information and Broadcast Minister Firdous Aashiq Awan also attended the reception.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 12th, 2011.
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