LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and members of the Provincial Cabinet extended a warm welcome to the national cricket team at the Allama Iqbal International Airport on Friday. The CM shook hands with and garlanded all members of the team individually. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt, PCB Manager Intikhab Alam, members of the national and the provincial assemblies and a large number of people were present on the occasion.
The CM, addressing the media, said that he as well as the provincial cabinet, members of the national and the provincial assemblies and citizens were delighted to receive the national cricket team in Lahore. He said that Pakistani players gave an outstanding performance in the World Cup and after passing through difficult stages reached the semi-final. He said that victory and defeat were a part of the game and defeat in the semi-final should also be taken in the same spirit.
The CM said that despite the negative reports in the international media about senior players of the team prior to the World Cup and replacement of more than half of experienced players, Pakistani cricket team defeated leading cricket teams of the world, and the nation was happy on their success. He urged the players to continue to work hard and expressed hope that they will meet successes in future. He said that he will host a reception for the national cricket team on April 5 and said that he had already announced prizes for the team.
PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt and Manager Intekhab Alam said that the players were very pleased and honoured at having been received by the CM and the members of the provincial cabinet and it raised their morale.
