RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday held a reception at the Army House for Pakistan’s cricket squad that clinched the ICC Champions Trophy in England recently.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the army chief, speaking on the occasion, lauded the team’s “outstanding performance which brought much-awaited jubilation for the entire nation.”

Gen Bajwa, the ISPR added, urged the players to stay humble, continue working hard and be upright as they are the ambassadors of Pakistan.

PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan thanked the army chief for his support in reviving the game of cricket in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Najam Sethi, chairman of PCB executive committee, thanked General Bajwa for all-out support for holding Pakistan Super League final which was staged in Lahore in March this year.

Members of national team also thanked Gen Bajwa for honouring them and commended the great contribution and sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Army in the war against terrorism and ongoing efforts for making Pakistan secure, the ISPR said in its statement.

Pakistan crushed defending champions and arch-rivals India by 180 runs at The Oval to win the Champions Trophy for the first time on June 18.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2017