ISLAMABAD, Jan 18: Moosa M. Moolla, the high commissioner of South Africa, hosted a reception for the Pakistan cricket team, which had recently returned from South Africa after playing a Test and One Day series, at a local hotel here on Saturday evening.

The minister of state for sports and culture, Rais Munir Ahmed, also attended the reception besides Gen Tauqeer Zia, the chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and director PCB Chishti Mujahid.

The South African high commissioner was obviously very pleased for two reasons — one for his country cricket team’s comprehensive victory in the Test and One Day series against Pakistan and secondly for being host of the forthcoming 8th World Cup.

Gen Tauqeer Zia, the PCB chairman, said though the national side performed badly in the recent tour of South Africa, writing off Pakistan in the World Cup would be a mistake as the team was busy shrugging off the bad patch and was set to bounce back. “I wish and I hope that the World Cup final will be played between Pakistan and South Africa and I wish Pakistan should emerge as winners,” Gen Tauqeer, said.

Other important personalities present in the reception included former foreign minister Sartaj Aziz, Akram Zaki, and former sports and culture minister Col S.K. Tressler (retired).

A lucky draw was also held at the end of the reception. Later, the Pakistan cricket team members lined up on the stage for the photo session.