Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Mr Neil Hawkins wished Pakistan women’s cricket team well ahead of their tour of Australia.
Mr Hawkins met with Pakistan’s National women’s cricket team in Karachi today to convey his wishes.
The reigning World Champions will face Pakistan in a three-match ODI series beginning on January 16th at Allan Border Field, Brisbane, before the two sides face off in three T20 international matches.
Speaking at the event, the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan said, ‘It is a great privilege to meet Pakistan National Women’s Cricket Team today. Our countries share a passion for cricket. I wish the team a fantastic stay in Australia. They will receive a very warm Australian welcome. We expect some fabulous cricket.’
‘Australia is committed to promoting inclusivity and gender equality in sports and would love to see the talented women I met today go head-to-head with the Australian women’s team,’ the High Commissioner added.
He also invited fans and visitors from Pakistan to be part of the series and Pakistan Cricket Board’s #BackOurGirls campaign.
Mr Hawkins also met with the Pakistan U19 Women’s squad who are also practising in Karachi for the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled to take place in South Africa later this month.
Pakistan’s captain Bismah Maroof commented on the occasion, ‘We had a good 2022 year, where we won five of the six ICC Women’s Championship matches. We are looking forward to playing a competitive series in Australia.”
‘I am positive that the squad assembled here under Bismah Maroof shall give a good account of itself on the forthcoming tour, not only on the field of play but also in terms of winning friends through great display of skills, discipline and sportsmanship.’ Team manager Ayesha Ashhar added.