ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a luncheon to honour Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team for their remarkable Asia Cup victory. The team’s stellar performance, capped by a victory against India in the final, earned them accolades and cash rewards.
During his address to the players, the Prime Minister lauded their historic achievement, expressing hope that they will continue to bring pride to the nation. His remarks highlighted the exceptional performances of Sameer Minhas and Ali Raza, stating that the entire country feels immense pride in their success.
He extended his best wishes for their upcoming participation in the Under-19 World Cup next month, emphasizing that their triumph was a result of unwavering dedication and hard work. Additionally, he acknowledged the critical support provided by the PCB chairman, management, and the coaching staff. The Prime Minister noted how the team had raised Pakistan’s flag high with their Asia Cup victory.
As an expression of appreciation, the Premier announced cash rewards of Rs1 crore for each player and Rs25 lacs for members of the team’s management. He further reflected on the joy the nation experienced after the win against India, attributing it to divine blessings.
Team captain Farhan Yousuf shared that competing in the Asia Cup was an invaluable experience for the squad. Similarly, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi commended the players for maintaining patience and focus amid challenges during the tournament. He revealed that India had tried to provoke Pakistani players repeatedly; however, the team remained steadfast and focused solely on their performance. Naqvi assured these incidents would be reported to the ICC.
In addition to celebrating the team’s victory, Naqvi announced plans for a new High-Performance Center in Lahore, soon to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He underscored their commitment to honing young talents and emphasized that success follows dedication.
Farhan Yousuf expressed gratitude towards PCB management and its chairman for organizing quality training camps, while Sameer Munhas emphasized that their instructions to play fearless rather than careless cricket greatly contributed to their success.
