A festival cricket match was played between the British High Commission and Old Ravians at the Oval Ground of the Government College University, Lahore on Friday in presence of hundreds of students and alumni’s families as cheering spectators. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah and British Council Director Mr Kevin McLaven also graced the festivity with their presence.
Earlier, winning the toss Old Ravians XI chose to bat first and posted a huge total of 139 runs in just 15 Overs. Former chief secretary Punjab Pervaiz Masood and Old Ravians Union President Mr Kamran Lashari opened for their team. Batting maestro, Old Ravians Maznoor Elahi and Shahid Anwar scored some quick runs in the middle Overs.
Chasing the challenging target, British High Commission XI could not face the heat and surrendered at the total score of just 94 runs. However, Director Mr Kevin McLaven and Ben French from British Council showed some resistance and played fine innings. Noted Actor Ali Tahir got four wickets and was declared the Man of the Match.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Shah said “Nobody, but the festivity, has won as it provided a wonderful opportunity to our students to enjoy the live cricket, and interact and socialize with their seniors and people for the British Council.”
Kevin McLaven said that the cricket match was a wonderful experience for them, adding that they would come to GCU with a stronger team next year. He said all the “Old” Ravians were still “young” and “energetic”.
Old Ravians Union Honorary Secretary Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt said that the match was part of the union’s annual reunion activities. He said Old Ravians from India would also attend the reunion festivities this year.
ORU President Mr Kamran Lashari said that the union would also hold festival matches with other foreign consulates and high commissions for cultural amalgamation and promoting positive image.
Noted Actor Ali Tahir said cricket was not just a game; rather it had become an international culture. He remembered the days when he used to play for the cricket team of the Government College in his student life.
ORU executive committee members Naeem Tahir, Kazi Afaq Hossain and Asjad Ghani Tahir were also present.
