Dr Fehmida assures all support to PCB of hosting ICC events

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is ready to host cricketing mega events following the return of international cricket and Pakistan Super League (PSL) opined Dr Fehmida Mirza, Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) during her meeting with International Cricket Council (ICC) top officials in Islamabad Wednesday.

Manu Sawhney, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) International Cricket Council (ICC), along with Campbell Jamieson, General Manager Commercial, ICC called on Dr Fehmida Mirza. Ehsan Mani, Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Wasim Khan, Chief Executive PCB were also present during the meeting.

“The government fully backs PCB in their effort to hold international cricket events including mega tournaments in Pakistan. Country is safe to hold any sporting events as Pakistan people love and back sports and sportsmen,” she said.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said sports had become a global industry. “Sports generates other activities of commercial values like tourism. The government is all for promotion of every sports besides cricket. Bilateral relationships between various countries can be strengthened through sports diplomacy.”

IPC Minister on behalf of Federal Government assured full support for holding any ICC event in Pakistan.

Campbell Jamieson apprised the Minister on ICC's future under 19 men and women events to be held between 2023-2031.

He informed that ICC had been focusing on women cricket and planned special women events in near future. “Any country can volunteer to host any of these ICC events,” he stated.

It was also discussed that ICC is working to include cricket studies in the curriculum. “Matters pertaining to sports, tourism, and their impact on generating income and boosting the economy of the country, were also discussed during the meeting.”