“The cricket match between Pakistan and Qatar teams on Monday will go a long way in reviving international cricket in the country,” said Minister for Sports Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan.
He was addressing newsmen at the National Hockey Stadium conference hall. Sports Board Director General Usman Anwar and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Domestic Cricket General Manager Shafiq Ahmad Papa were also present.
“This exercise is an attempt to bring international cricket back to Pakistan. For the first time since 2009, an international cricket match will be held in Lahore,” he said He said the guest team would be provided adequate security.
He said after Qatar, the Test teams of other countries would also be encouraged to play in Pakistan.
“Entry to the stadium will be free. Cultural programmes will also be presented during breaks. I urge people to attend the match to show the world that Pakistan is a safe country,” the minister said.
Mashhood said Turkey’s cooperation was important to Pakistan.
“Sending an internationally-renowned Turkish band to Pakistan for the Punjab Youth Festival was a great gift for us,” he said.
He said the Balochistan government was also planning a youth festival after the success of the Punjab Youth Festival. He said the Balochistan government had also approached the Punjab government for expertise. He said Sports Board Director General Usman Anwar visited Quetta and assured Punjab government’s support to them.
He said the Punjab Youth Festival had engaged 4.8 million people in healthy activities and set the world record of maximum participation of 3.2 million individuals.
“Due to the efforts of the government, we are strengthening our relations with China and other countries, which is a great step towards a prosperous Pakistan,” Mashhood said.
Shafiq Ahmad said, “All arrangements of the match between Qatar and Pakistan A teams have been completed.”
“The selectors will announce Pakistan A team after deliberations,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 23rd, 2014.