ABU DHABI, April 20: Pakistan-India one-day cricket series in Abu Dhabi has not only entertained cricket fanatics around the world but also contributed a lot towards peace and friendship in the region, said Pakistan Ambassador Ahsanullah Khan.

“Cricket fans in UAE enjoyed watching quality cricket by their favourite players,” he said after receiving a cheque of $7.5 million from Naranjan Shah Secretary Board of Cricket Control India (BCCI) at the Pakistan Embassy here. Shaharyar M. Khan, chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), was also present. Ambassador Ahsanullah termed atmosphere and spirit in which ODI series was being played as “amazing”, hoping it would go a long way in betterment of relations between the two neighbours.

Abu Dhabi, which played host to the grand fun-packed event, he said has been on fore-front in reaching out to earthquake affected people in northern Pakistan.

He said President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has recently announced another hospital at total cost of $50 million for Islamabad, while a 500-bed hospital costing $100 million was announced for Muzaffarabad. Work on both will start soon.

The PCB chief described donation to quake victims as largest raised at any sports event till now.

Naranjan Shah said distribution of funds raised from the event was at ratio of 75:25 between Pakistan and India.—Agencies