Islamabad, 6 December 2022 (TDI): Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif hosted a reception in the honor of Pakistan and England Cricket Teams in Prime Minister House, Islamabad on the eve of 5 December 2022.

The Prime Minister congratulated England Team for outplaying Pakistan in the first test match of the series in Rawalpindi. Prime Minister’s Office arranged a dinner in the honor of visitors, the England Cricket Team, and the hosts.

Prime Minister’s address on the occasion

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said this was a historical moment after England Team visited Pakistan after seventeen years.

“Unfortunately, Pakistan after 2005 faced a huge wave of extremism and terrorism and we were able to beat this menace after paying thousand of sacrifices,” he added.

Prime Minister presented souvenirs to Captain Pakistan Cricket Team, Babar Azam, and the Captain of the England Cricket Team, Ben Stokes received by Robert Key, Managing Director of the England Cricket Team on his behalf.

While talking to the ceremony, Prime Minister said, Pakistan enjoys wonderful relations with Britain and Cricket plays an important factor. He furthermore admired British support for the people of Pakistan and their well-being.

He expressed hope that this visit will go a long way to bridging relations between Pakistan and United Kingdom.

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On occasion Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif paid tribute to Pakistan’s cricket legends namely Fazal Mahmood, one of the PCB Hall of Fame Inductees and the hero of Oval, and Hanif Muhammad known as little master, Radio Pakistan reported.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan extended gratitude to British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Christian Turner, and the Government of the UK for supporting Pakistan Cricket.

Moreover, he also appreciated Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja’s efforts and commitment to resuming cricket in Pakistan. He admired the wonderful cricket spirit and capacity of the England Cricket Team on the field.

In his Twitter message, Prime Minister said, it was great to host Pakistan and England teams at Prime Minister House. Cricket is a shared passion and it binds both Pakistan and England in a close relationship, he added.

He congratulated the England Team on winning the first test and said that the true winner was the glorious game of test cricket itself.