CDA asked to construct cricket stadium

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had ordered the authorities concerned to construct a modern cricket stadium with a five-star hotel in Islamabad.

"I have also directed the Capital Development Authority to start work to construct state of the art stadium and a five-start hotel on a priority basis and the project could be materialized as soon as possible," he said while talking to the media after reviewing security arrangements at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for Pak-Australia series.

"We are grateful to Australia for sending its team despite all conspiracies. They are here in Pakistan and the cricket matches would be played as per the schedule," Sheikh Rashid said.

He said that other teams including England would also visit Pakistan. He further said that foolproof security arrangements had also been made for the tour of the New Zealand cricket team but they became the victim of a conspiracy of India.

The minister said that Pakistan has finalised foolproof security arrangements for Pakistan-Australia cricket matches. He said that Pakistan army, Rawalpindi and Islamabad police and Rangers have been deployed to make the security foolproof for the visiting Australian cricket team."

“The cricket lovers are very happy on the Australian cricket team's tour to Pakistan. We welcome the Australian team. It's a great honour for the Pakistani nation and excellent arrangements were made by the Pakistan Cricket Board. Best possible arrangements have been finalised by the administration to facilitate the teams and the cricket lovers as well," he added.

He said India once again tried to achieve its nefarious designs as it did not want to see international cricket restored in Pakistan and the Pakistani people who are big fans of cricket, could enjoy international cricket matches in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2022.