Governor, Muqam honour PSL players

Jhagra hopes team from Fata to take part in next PSL

PESHAWAR: Amir Muqam, Adviser to Prime Minister, appreciated holding the final of Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Lahore and called for the promotion of sports by arranging matches at regional level.

Speaking at a lunch hosted by him in honour of the PSL-2 winners, Peshawar Zalmi, here on Sunday, he said holding the tournament was an honour for the whole country and it was the win of Pakistan and not of a franchise only. He said holding the final in Lahore gave the positive message that Pakistanis were peace-loving. He appreciated the Punjab government and law-enforcing agencies for making the event a success.

He welcomed the owner of the Peshawar Zalmi team and some players and said their efforts earned respect and reputation for the province and the whole country.

The Peshawar Zalmi team star players were not present at the lunch as foreigners had left for their countries and the national players too had other engagements. Amir Muqam said they would be invited again.He hoped the security situation would improve and the PSL matches would be played in different divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so that young talent was encouraged. He said players should be encouraged and supported without any political considerations.

Speaking on the occasion, Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi thanked Amir Muqam, other PML-N leaders and parliamentarians and people of Pakistan especially KP and Fata for their support.

He said his franchise was a non-political entity aimed at promoting cricket and sports activities and they would accept any such invitation extended by the provincial government.

Shields were also presented to the players on the occasion.

Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra also hosted a reception in honour of the team.

Acting Inspector General of Police Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, Frontier Constabulary Commandant Liaqat Ali, provincial lawmakers Sardar Aurangzeb Nalotha and Ziaullah Afridi, Fata parliamentarians Shahjee Gul Afridi, Ghalib Khan and Nazir Khan were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor said the government was encouraging sports in Fata by constructing playgrounds.

He hinted that a team from Fata would take part in the next version of the PSL so that local players could have a chance to play alongside international players.

The governor welcomed the participation of foreign players in PSL and mentioned that the successful holding of the PSL final in Lahore will revive not only international cricket but also other sports activities in Pakistan.

He appreciated the PSL organisers and applauded the Pakistan Army, security and law-enforcement agencies for ensuring the success of the event.

While lauding the players and organisers of Peshawar Zalmi team, he said foreign cricketers should be encouraged to play in Pakistan.

The governor presented an honorary shield and a traditional turban to Javed Afridi.

Javed Afridi gave a trophy to the governor on behalf of his team.

Meanwhile, the political agent of Khyber Agency invited the team for high tea at his office, Khyber House.

Geo Television anchor and Jirga programme host Saleem Safi said that gone were the days when tribal people were known for involvement in acts of terrorism and backwardness. "The tribesmen are not terrorists," he stressed.

He said that both Lashkar-e-Islam head Mangal Bagh and PSL owner Javed Afridi hailed from Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency but difference between them was visible to all.