SBP’s new sports complex opened

KARACHI: Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Ashraf Mahmood Wathra inaugurated the new Sports Complex at SBP-BSC North Nazimabad here on Sunday.

Also present were Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Governing Board chairman Najam Sethi, International Cricket Council’s (ICC) president and former Pakistan captain Zaheer Abbas and former Test cricketers Rashid Latif, Iqbal Qasim and Salahuddin Sallu.

The Governor said that the complex would add significantly to the sports facilities in the country. He said that the standards and the beauty of the pavilion could be compared to any facility anywhere in the world.

He said more facilities like bowling speed gun, latest bowling machine, gymnasium and stadium seats would be provided in due course of time. “The SBP is mindful of its corporate social responsibilities and that’s why it is supporting sports activities at lower-tier as well,” he was quoted as saying.

He praised the commercial banks for standing by SBP in holding country-wide tournaments. The governor named the facility as ‘SBP Sports Complex.’

Talking to media, Sethi appreciated the design of the new pavilion and said the PCB might hold matches at this facility in future.

Managing Director Banking Services Corporation Qasim Nawaz in his welcome address said that as a responsible federal organization, SBP has been encouraging the holding of different sports events, particularly of cricket. He said SBP was planning to hold a regional tournament at Islamabad in near future. “These matches provide an opportunity to young cricketers, who have not played first-class cricket during the preceding five years,” he added. 

The final of the 7th SBP-BSC Inter-Department Tape Ball Tournament and 6th festival cricket match between Governor’s XI and Bankers’ XI were also played at the lush green venue in which SBP-BSC Leopards trounced SBP Tigers by eight runs, while Governor’s XI won their match by four runs.

The Governor handed over prizes to the winners and runners-up. He also presented a shield and memento to Zaheer and Sethi.