Despite security concerns, thousands turned out for a glimpse of world-famous cricketer Shahid Afridi in Quetta on Friday night.
Bugti Stadium, located in the heart of Balochistan’s provincial capital, was jam-packed with spectators and emotionally-charged fans of Afridi for an exhibition match between teams from Quetta and the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (Fata).
The match, which lasted over three hours, was being played as part of the concluding ceremony of All Pakistan T-20 Cricket Tournament.
“This is your show and your presence and enthusiasm really impressed me,” Afridi told the crowd after his side, the Fata team, won the match.
Governor Balochistan, Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Commander Southern Command, Lt. General Nasir Khan Janjua, Inspector General Frontier Corps Major General Ejaz Shahid and other civil and military high-ups were present during the concluding ceremony of the tournament.
A total of 19 cricket teams from across the country participated in the tournament. Fata region won the tournament, which was attended by thousands of spectators every night.
Apart from youngsters, people of all ages and thousands of women also participated in the tournament. “This tournament is a positive stride towards peace and development of the province,” Governor Achakzai told spectators, who were waving the Pakistani flag.
Balochi, Brahvi and Pashto songs were played during the tournament to charge the spectators. Rahim Shah, a well-known Pashto singer and popular Balochi singer Akhtar Chanal also performed traditional songs.
“Fata has won cricket and it would also win peace,” the Corps Commander Lt. General Nasir Khan Janjua told the crowd while referring to ongoing military operation in the tribal region.
A huge contingent of paramilitary troops was deployed in and outside the stadium to avert any untoward incident during the concluding ceremony.