PCB headquarters. PHOTO: FILE
Hats and glasses provided protection against the blazing sun at the foothill of the Margallas at the Marghazar Cricket ground in Saidpur village where a gathering of the diplomatic community and cricket enthusiasts gathered for a friendly cricket match between Diplomatic XI and PCB XI.
UK High Commissioner Phillip Barton and Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Peter Heyward were part of one team which also included members from other missions, while the PCB team consisted of some retired players and emerging names of the Pakistan team.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Heyward termed the initiative an effort to send out a positive message to revive international cricket in Pakistan.
He said Pakistan suffered a huge blow after the attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009 but the Australian mission in Islamabad has been working closely with the PCB to revive international cricket in the country.
“Some talks are under way to bring international cricket back to Pakistan. The Australian team will be back on Pakistani soil as soon as situation turns favourable,” he said.
Former cricketer and coach Intikhab Alam said an event like this was the best way to launch the 2015 World Cup and to convince diplomats to revive international cricket in Pakistan.
He further appraised PCB chairman Shehryar Khan’s efforts saying that a lot goes on behind the scenes and things are now moving in the right direction which is positive for cricket. “We will keep on working,” he vowed.
Barton said the match was held to reiterate UK’s commitment to help return international cricket to Pakistan.
Serena Hotels South and Central Asia Chief Executive Officer Aziz Boolani said while such a project was portraying a softer image of the country, it was also encouraging young Pakistani’s towards sports.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 15th, 2015.
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