LARKANA, Dec 26: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday inaugurated the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Cricket Stadium in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh by unveiling its plaque on Wednesday.

The stadium is constructed with the cost of Rs200 million by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Addressing the selected gathering amidst tight security, the president termed the construction of stadium as a ‘gift’ for the nation.

He said he used to visit the Gama stadium in Mirpurkhas to play cricket after a journey of 40 kilometres. But now the residents of Naudero would not need to travel to distant places for such facilities. He complimented the Pakistan Cricket Board, its chairman Zaka Ashraf and all those who helped in building the stadium.

The president added that a cricket academy would also be set up in the area in the next phase. He wished the PCB well with its plans of bringing international cricket to the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Zaka Ashraf said cricket facilities in Sindh have been enhanced due to President Zardi’s interest and this stadium stood witness to his commitment.

He said more steps were required to improve the facilities at the stadium. He was optimistic that international cricket would be restored in the country in 2013.

On the occasion, a five-over cricket match was played between President Eleven, led by Javed Miandad, and Chairman Eleven, led by Intikhab Alam, which was won by the President Eleven by ten wickets.—M.B. Kalhoro