KARACHI: Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) president Nadeem Omar, who is also the owner of PSL franchise Quetta Gladiators, congratulated the Pakistan Cricket Club for winning the first PCB Fazal Mahmood National Club Championship.

In a congratulatory message on Sunday Nadeem, who is also the Pakistan Cricket Club president, paid tribute to Sarfraz Ahmed-led side for easily defeating Sialkot’s Towne Cricket Club Sialkot in the final at the LCCA Ground in Lahore last Friday.

“Pakistan Cricket Club has shown over the years that they are one of the best clubs in the country and by winning the Fazal Mahmood National Club Championship, the club has made Karachi proud,” Nadeem said. “We’ll give rewards to the players after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays in a glittering event. They deserve to be rewarded because it’s not an easy feat to go all the way [and win the title].”

Apart from Pakistan skipper Sarfraz, the club boasts of number of international players such as Asad Shafiq, Shan Masood, Anwar Ali and Rameez Raja plus upcoming youngsters like Saud Shakil, Mir Hamza, Ali Asad, Danish Aziz, Mohammad Asghar and Faraz Ahmed Khan.

Nadeem further applauded the efforts of PCB for hosting such a big club tournament at the national level.

“I must commend the efforts of PCB as they staged a club cricket event on such a massive scale. It’s unprecedented and I believe such club cricket and inter-school competitions will provide us more talent and opportunities to youngsters,” he commented.

Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators team manager and Pakistan Cricket Club long-serving secretary Azam Khan shared his happiness as well.

“Pakistan Cricket Club have won numerous tournaments in Karachi over the years but winning the national club title is the biggest achievement. I’m very proud that our players are still committed to the club despite being the stars of national team,” Azam said. “I’m so proud that Pakistan Cricket Club continues to produce players for Pakistan all levels. These achievements are also the reason why these players are seen across PSL franchises and most notable the Quetta Gladiators.”

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2018