The High Commissioner and Mrs. Babar Amin hosted a dinner in honor of the visiting Pakistan Women Cricket Team at the High Commission in Canberra on 22nd Feb 2020.
The event was attended by high ranking Australian Government officials, politicians, foreign diplomats, journalists, members of the Pakistani community including cricket enthusiasts.
Welcoming the Pakistan Women Cricket Team to Australia, the High Commissioner highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Australia underscored by common sporting heritage and cricketing ties. While referring to the achievements of the Pakistani Women Cricket Team, he lauded them for flying the national flag high. He advised the players to play to their full potential and dedication while aiming at winning the tournament. He emphasized that the spirit of the sports was even more important than result of the game.
Ms. Bismah Maroof, Captain of the Pakistani Women’s Cricket Team thanked the High Commissioner and Mrs. Uzma Babar for hosting the Team at Canberra and vowed to play to the best of their abilities. Ms. Kate Logan, the Chief of Protocol at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, wished the Pakistani team success during the tough competition. Ms. Bronwyn Halfpenny, Convener of Pakistan-Australia Friendship Association in the Victorian Parliament remarked that the Pakistani Women’s Cricket Team was a true representation of the participation of women in sports in Pakistan. Mr. Alistair Coe, leader of the opposition in the ACT Legislative Assembly, welcomed the Pakistani Team to Canberra and Australia. Ms. Aisha Jalil, Assistant Manager, Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team recounted her visit as part of the then Pakistan Women’s Cricket team touring Australia in 1997. She said that the current Team was composed of young players who were hungry for victory, as well as senior ones who could moderate and sheet anchor the game.
To commemorate the event, a cake was also cut by the High Commissioner, the Chief of Protocol, the Pakistan Captain Cricket Team and Manager.
Canberra
21 February 2020
