The British High Commission in Pakistan has hosted a reception to welcome the return of the England test cricket to Pakistan.
In attendance were notable sports and media personalities, political figures, representatives from the ECB and PCB as well as cricket players who are set to play test cricket in Pakistan for the first time in 17 years.
On the occasion British High Commissioner in Pakistan, Dr Christian Turner said ‘Cricket teaches us to play hard, accept defeat and r espect our opponents. The players, PCB and ECB are great ambassadors for their sport and it is a pleasure to welcome them to the High Commission. The generous donations to flood victims is a sign of the deep ties and affection between our two countries.’
England batter, Ollie Pope, said, ‘We’re delighted to return to Pakistan for this historic Test tour after such an exciting T20 series earlier this year. We’re grateful for the warm welcome we have received but also know that many communities have been impacted severely by the floods. It’s great to see so many different organisations coming together to arrange this donation of cricket equipment and hopefully, it will go a small way to ensuring that children in some of the affected areas can still benefit from all the good that cricket can do as they try to recover.’
The return of the England Test team comes amid a standout year for UK-Pakistan sporting and cultural ties, coinciding with the 75-year anniversary of UK-Pakistan relations, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the England T20 Pakistan cricket tour and the World Cup T20 England-Pakistan final. The Tests mark a high point, as 2022 draws to a close.
The return of England cricket has coincided with a strong focus on the power of sports diplomacy – with both tours taking place following the devastation caused by floods. Both the ECB and cricketers contributed to the UK’s DEC Pakistan flood appeal during the T20s which raised over £30m to provide lifesaving aid to those affected.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said Speaking at a ceremony arranged in honor of the England cricket team that cricket has become a part of Pakistan’s culture and everybody was interested in it.
She said that the arrival of an international team in Pakistan was not only positive for domestic cricket but also for Pakistani viewers, fans, and common people.
The minister said that it was an honor that the English cricket team had come to Pakistan for the first time after 2005 for playing the Test series.
She said that it was important for domestic cricket as well that international cricket teams keep coming to Pakistan.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the Test series was the real spirit of cricket and there was no politics involved in cricket.
The minister said that the role of the British High Commissioner, the Government of Pakistan, and the Prime Minister’s Office could not be forgotten in organizing the Test series between Pakistan and England in Pakistan.She congratulated the people of Pakistan on the visit of the England cricket team and said that positive activity can be witnessed among the youth from the visit of the England cricket team.
