ISLAMABAD – Peter M Brennan, Minister Counsellor for Public Affairs of US Embassy described Pakistan as completely safe for all kinds of sporting activities.
He expressed these views while talking with TheNation on Sunday. He said that though there are some security problems in some parts of Pakistan and in the world as well but these minor things can't stop sports-loving nations like Pakistan and he is quite sure international sporting activities would return soon to Pakistan.
Replying to a question regarding Pakistan Handicapped cricket team's visit to US to play a cricket series over there, Peter said: “The US has no team but expressed the hope we will form a team soon and in near future Pakistan handicapped cricket team might visit there to play against American team.
There are only 5 countries in the world having handicapped cricket teams while US is trying to form a team to become sixth country of the world, he added.
Brennan said that these handicapped players are the true ambassadors and every Pakistani must feel proud of them. “I am very grateful to Abbas Hashmi and all the PCAPH officials for inviting us and giving me the opportunity to meet these persons. We would support handicapped players in future too, as we are a sports-loving nation, it is an honour for me to wear Pakistani colours T-shirt and feeling very proud and thankful to the organizers and wish handicapped cricket team every success not only against India but also against all the opponents.”
He said that he has asked Abbas Hashmi to fulfil formalities required for tour and submit a written request for the visit as Americans love to have Pakistan handicapped cricket team play there. Peter said that sports could bridge gaps amongst nations and bring closer worst enemies.
Peter distributed balls carrying the flags of Pakistan and US among the handicapped players and all the dignitaries, who were present at the ceremony. He also raised slogans Pakistan Zindabad and Pak-US friendship Zindabad. He also announced cash incentives for PCAPH for the tour of India. “I am very grateful to Abbas Hashmi and all the PCAPH officials for inviting us and giving me the opportunity to be these gallant persons. Earlier, US Embassy hosted a reception in honour of Pakistan Physically Handicapped Cricket team, which is going to India for a return leg tour to play three ODIs and one T20 International match.
Peter M Brennan, Minister Counsellor of Public Affairs US Embassy was the chief guest on the occasion while other dignitaries, PCAPH officials, main sponsors Jockey Pakistan GM Col Ihsan Piracha, who provided T20 kits to Pakistan Handicapped team, Cultural Attache of US Embassy, Manager Food and Beverages Gun & Country Club, media persons were also present.
PCAPH Chairman Abbas Hashmi thanked US embassy and Peter M Brennan for supporting handicapped c team. This is because of cricket that Pakistan and India came closer and the initiative was taken by PCAPH to arrange a series against Indian team in Pakistan at a time when nobody was ready to visit Pakistan sighting security concerns, he added.
Meanwhile an exhibition cricket match was also played between handicapped teams, while the chief guest Peter M Brennan also flexed his muscles and played some lofty shots to the much of the delight of a sizeable crowd who were present and witnessed handicapped players in action.