ISLAMABAD - Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Rawalpindi Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA) paid tribute to Australian batsman Philip Hughes in a ceremony held here at the ICCI building on late Saturday night.
Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) vice president Munawar Mughal, ICCI acting president M Shakel Munir, vice president Ashfaq Chatha, Pakistan Disabled Sports Association (PDSA) chairman Sheikh Abdul Waheed, secretary Nasir Mehmmod Ch, RISJA chairman Abdul Mohi Shah, president Mohsin Ali, ICCI and RISJA members, sports lovers and cricketers of twin cities were also present there. Two minutes silence was observed and large photos of Hughes were installed at the lawn where 26 candles were lit and flowers were placed to pay respect to the departed soul. Speaking at the occasion, Munawar said: “It is not only the loss of Cricket Australia but also the cricket world. Cricket is taken over from hockey as national sports in Pakistan, and as a cricketer myself, I was deeply shocked on the sad incident.
I demand International Cricket Council (ICC) to introduce new laws regarding safety of players, and bound all the players to wear helmet as compulsory. There should also be protection around neck as well, as this is very sensitive area. The ICC should also restrict bowlers from bowling bouncers.”
ICCI acting president Shakeel termed Philip death as highly unfortunate incident and offered his and entire business community condolences to the entire cricketing world. He also sympathized with Sean Abbot and termed it purely accident, so he must not blame himself and concentrate on his playing career.
PDSA chairman Waheed announced the December 3 World Disabled T20 match between ICCI and PDSA would be played as a mark of respect to Hughes. Both the team players would wear black armbands while the PDSA would also conduct a memorial service in his honor.
PDSA secretary Nasir Ch also announced to retire shirt worn by Hughes on December 3 as a token of gesture, just like Cricket Australia had done. “We can't bring Philip back, but at least, we can show solidarity with cricket world.”
RISJA chairman Mohi Shah lauded ICCI and RISJA for conducting the event and promised RISJA would always stand by promoting healthy sporting activities. He demanded the ICC to take steps to ensure batsmen safety to avoid such incidents in future.