Jhakrani expects strong performance from Pakistan against Australia

 

LONDON: Federal Sports Minister Mir Aijaz Hussain Jhakrani has expressed hope that Pakistani cricketers will give a vastly improved performance in the two Test home series against Australia starting with the first Test at Lord’s from Tuesday.The Minister who is here to witness the first Test between the two teams, was speaking at a dinner hosted by Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan at his north London residence here last evening in honour of the national team.

 

The Minister congratulated the team for winning the two T20 games against Australia and was of the view that this must have put the players in a better frame of mind and confident about their own potential against superior opponents.

Jhakrani recalled the Sydney Test last winter when Pakistan was close to victory but eventually lost much to the disappointment of the fans at home.

He said no doubt the series against Australia is tough but if the players play to their full promise as witnessed in the T20 matches, there is no doubt that they could emerge victorious in the Test series as well.
“You have the support and prayers of the entire nation. Play to your full potential and national honour and God willing you will emerge victorious,” he exhorted the players.

Earlier, PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt thanked the English and Wales Cricket Board and the Pakistan High Commission in providing support and assistance in organising the series against Australia.
He said due to security situation in Pakistan, the cricket playing countries have refused to come there and the PCB has been forced to play its home series on neutral grounds to sustain cricket.
The Cricket Board Chief, however, was hopeful that the situation
in Pakistan will return to normalcy soon so that the national team could play against foreign teams at home rather than elsewhere in home series.

Investment Minister Senator Waqar Ahmed  Khan, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK Justice Nihal Jayasinghe,  former captain Asif Iqbal, Mrs Farzana Naik, wife of Senate Chairman Farooq Naik were among a large number of guests present at the occasion.
Shoaib Malik was accompanied by his wife and Indian tennis star Sania Mirza who has been featuring in tournaments around the UK.
Later, the High Commissioner presented souvenirs to the players and officials of the team on behalf of United National Bank which sponsored the event. Manager Yawar Saeed and Assistant Manager Shafqat Rana were also present.

 

 

APP - July 12, 2010

 

Last updated: 13 July 2010