Media Release - 29 May 2006

The President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf, who is also the Chief Patron of Pakistan Cricket Board, received the victorious Under-19 Cricket Team at a tea reception held today at the Aiwan-e-Sadar.

The President congratulated the young cricketers on their outstanding performance in the Under-19 World Cup held recently in Sri Lanka where they beat the fancied Australian and Indian Teams, successfully defending the title which is a record in itself.

The President also complimented the PCB leadership, Selection Committee and the Team Management for their role in turning the Under-19 Cricket Team into a fighting outfit.

The President expressed hope that under the watchful supervision of Mudassar Nazar (PCB's newly-appointed Director of Academies) young and talented cricketers would be able to focus on improving professional cricketing skills alongside developing mental toughness to maintain winning ways.

The President advised the victorious squad to concentrate on physical fitness and have faith in themselves to be inducted into the national team.

Earlier, Chairman PCB Shaharyar M. Khan had a separate meeting with the President to brief him about recent developments relating particularly to preparations for the forthcoming World Cup in the West Indies.

Chairman PCB also briefed the President about the three high-profile international events being hosted by Pakistan, i.e. the Asia Cup (2008), Champions Trophy (2008) and the ICC World Cup (2011).

Agreeing that ICC had reposed confidence and trust in Pakistan by awarding these prestigious tournaments, the President stressed that the challenge to organize the events in a befitting manner should be taken up in all earnest.

The President also directed that PCB should be given the cricketing control of the stadiums, enabling it to upgrade facilities to international standard.

The President also agreed, in principle, to set up a high-level committee to ensure that all government ministries and departments work in close coordination with PCB in organizing the high-profile tournaments successfully and in providing all possible amenities to the thousands of cricket lovers who would be thronging to Pakistan to witness these mega events.

Abbas Zaidi
Director Board Operations

(Article: Copyright © 2006 Pakistan Cricket Board)