Naqvi Rallies Pakistan Ahead of Blockbuster India Clash
News Desk
Colombo: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the national cricket team, including players and management, on Saturday to boost morale ahead of the high-profile match against India.
During the meeting, Naqvi extended his best wishes for the upcoming challenge and appreciated the players’ dedication, passion and commitment.
The gathering was attended by captain Salman Agha, head coach Mike Hesson, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, all squad members and coaching staff. Also present were PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, Pakistan Super League (PSL) Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer, and Director Media Aamir Mir.
Earlier, Naqvi received a grand welcome at the team hotel, with traditional drums and dance marking his arrival.
According to PCB sources, he was accompanied by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, PCB COO Sumair Ahmed Syed, and PSL CEO Salman Naseer.
Speaking informally to journalists at the hotel, Naqvi expressed optimism about the team’s prospects.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/why-india-vs-pakistan-still-means-everything/
“May Allah bless us. Our team is in good form. Insha’Allah, it will be good,” he said when asked about the much-anticipated encounter.
Mohsin Naqvi to Watch India-Pakistan Match
Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has invited PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to attend the high-profile India-Pakistan match in Colombo.
Sources said Naqvi will watch the match in the Sri Lankan capital and is scheduled to meet the national squad ahead of the clash.
Invitations have also been extended to officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Jay Shah is expected to attend the match himself, and a meeting between Mohsin Naqvi, Jay Shah and BCCI officials is likely on the sidelines of the fixture.
Meanwhile, Aminul Islam, President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), has also received an invitation to watch the contest.
The much-anticipated encounter between arch-rivals Pakistan and India has gained added significance following recent controversies.
Pakistan had initially refused to play against India in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were ousted from the T20 World Cup after declining to play in India over security concerns.
The ICC intervened and subsequently succeeded in convincing Pakistan to participate in the match.
The fixture is widely regarded as one of the marquee events of the tournament and is expected to draw global attention.
