Pakistan PM hails Zim

Senior Sports Editor
PAKISTAN Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has written to President Mugabe to thank Zimbabwe for the brave and landmark decision to send the national cricket team to the Asian country where the Chevrons became the first Test nation to play in that country in six years.

Zimbabwe’s cricketers played two Twenty20 and two ODIs, with the third ODI being abandoned by rain, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with all the four matches attracting capacity crowds and generating global media coverage.

The Chevrons are the only Test nation to play in Pakistan since militants attacked the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in March 2009 and blasted top-flight cricket from the Asian nation with teams refusing to tour because of security concerns.

By touring Pakistan, the Chevrons charmed millions of cricket fans in that country who, for the first time in six years, were able to watch their national team battle on their home front against a Test-playing nation.

Sharif, the Pakistan Prime Minister, recently wrote to President Mugabe, who is also the Zimbabwe Cricket patron, thanking him for the Chevrons’ landmark tour, which he described as a resounding success.

“The recent tour of the Zimbabwe cricket team to Pakistan was a resounding success,” Sharif wrote in his letter.

“I am sure you have been informed of the tremendous enthusiasm of the Pakistani fans who packed the stadium on all the matches, waving not just the Pakistani flag but also those of Zimbabwe. Numerous fans were carrying banners thanking Zimbabwe for sending the team.

“(Your) Excellency, I am aware that a large part of the credit for this successful cricket series belongs to you. The Government and people of Pakistan are grateful to you for your leadership, vision and solidarity with Pakistan and Pakistani cricket for helping make this entertaining cricket contest a reality.

“It was the first time in six years that Pakistani fans were able to watch their team play on Pakistani soil.

“It was also the first time for some Pakistani cricketers to play international cricket before a home crowd.

“The successful series has now paved the way for Pakistan to host other teams and to be reintegrated into the mainstream of international cricket. The role that Zimbabwe played in making that happen shall never be forgotten.”

Sharif also paid tribute to the Zimbabwe Cricket leadership for their brave decision to tour his country.

“(Your) Excellency, I would like to avail of this opportunity to convey through you our appreciation and gratitude to the Zimbabwe Cricket Board for organising this tour and going ahead with it despite some last-minute hitches,” Sharif said.

“Please accept, (Your) Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”