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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated England cricket team after defeating Pakistan in the first Test match in Rawalpindi.
The prime minister was speaking at a reception dinner arranged in honour of England and Pakistan cricket teams at the PM House in Islamabad.
While calling cricket a “common area of passion” between Pakistan and the UK, the prime minister said the ongoing England cricket team tour would go a long way in building bridges between the two countries.
“Pakistan enjoys wonderful relations with Britain and cricket is one of the factors. There is one common area of passion between Pakistan and Britain and that is cricket. I think your visit would go a long way in building bridges,” he said.
On the occasion, the prime minister said this is a historical moment as England’s team is playing in Pakistan after 17 years.
He said the last visit was in 2005 when Pakistan was facing unbearable extremism and terrorist attacks. He said Pakistan was able to “clean bowl” terrorism after huge sacrifices as thousands laid their lives including soldiers and civilians.
The prime minister congratulated the England team for the win against Pakistan in the first Test match series but was also confident that the Green Shirts would make a comeback in the next match.
He said the UK has always supported the people of Pakistan and their well-being. He expressed hope that this visit will go a long way in building bridges between Pakistan and UK.
PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to the British High Commissioner and British government for supporting revival of cricket in Pakistan.
He also appreciated Pakistan Cricket (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja for his efforts to restore cricket in Pakistan. He also appreciated England team’s capacity and cricket spirit.
He also apprised the young cricketers of the past glory of Pakistan cricket and mentioned Azhar Mahmood, late Hanif Muhammad known as “little master” and Asif Mahmood who had earned great fame in the world of cricket.
He said the Pakistan team exhibited quality cricket in the recent past and hoped that they would continue to enhance their level to regain their place in the cricketing world.
The prime minister appreciated England Captain Ben Stokes for his generosity of donating his match fee to the flood victims of Pakistan.
This is perfectly in line with the British golden tradition of philanthropy, he said and conveyed his regards to the England captain who could not attend the reception.
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