LAHORE - Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the people will have an opportunity soon to enjoy cricket of international standard when the Bangladesh cricket team toured Pakistan.
Presiding over a meeting held with regard to reviewing the security arrangements during the proposed tour of Bangladesh cricket team to Pakistan, he said that due to the visit of Bangladesh cricket team, friendly cultural ties between the two countries will be further strengthened.
Addressing the meeting, the CM said that foolproof security arrangements will be made for Bangladesh cricket team, adding that Pakistani people were waiting for the tour and it will be warmly welcomed in Pakistan.
He said that the activities of sports of international level will be promoted in the country due to the tour of Bangladesh cricket team. He said that the Punjab sports festival was continuing successfully in the provincial metropolis and thousands of players are taking part in these competitions.
President Bangladesh Cricket Board Mustafa Kamal expressing his views on this occasion said that the inclusion of Bangladesh in international cricket was due to Pakistan for which he was thankful to it. He also thanked Pakistani government and Cricket Board on the participation of Pakistani players in Bangladesh Premier League. Mustafa Kamal said that deep friendly ties existed between both the countries and Pakistani cricketers are considered as heroes in Bangladesh.
He expressed his desire that international cricket be revived in Pakistan and due to tour of Bangladeshi team, cricket activities will be promoted in the region.
Later, Shahbaz said that the Punjab Sports Festival “has infused new spirit of enthusiasm among the players.” Talking to the participants at the start of the family fun race at Main Boulevard Chowk Gulberg, on Sunday, the chief minister said that talented players will be encouraged through the competitions of various sports and players of national and international level will be produced from Punjab.
Deputy Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan and DG Sports were also present on this occasion. Shahbaz Sharif said that if opportunities and quality training provided to Pakistani players they could win laurels for the motherland at international level by achieving success in every sport. He said that the participation of male and female players in family fun race in such a large number reflects that there was great enthusiasm among the citizens due to sports festival.