The reigning champions of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Lahore Qalandars, are set to compete against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) XI in an exhibition T10 match, marking the soft opening of the magnificent Narowal Sports Complex on May 28. The match promises to be an enthralling encounter, showcasing the talents of renowned players and emerging stars.
Representing Lahore Qalandars will be a formidable lineup including Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Mirza Tahir Baig, Jalat Khan, Ahsan Bhatti, and Ahmed Danyal. Joining them on the field will be cricketers from the franchise’s Players Development Programme, adding an exciting blend of experience and youth.
On the other hand, the PCB XI will feature the likes of Kamran Akmal, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ilyas, Mohammad Akhlaq, Abbas Afridi, Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Sajid Khan, Ali Imran, and Usman Qadir. The match will also provide an opportunity for local and U19 players to showcase their skills alongside these established professionals.
The decision to organize the T10 match was made during a recent meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal. The primary aim is to provide a platform for the country’s youth to enhance their skills. The Narowal Sports Complex, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is envisioned to play a crucial role in nurturing and developing future generations of athletes.
The launching ceremony of the Complex is expected to be graced by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif as the guest of honor. With 14 stadiums and gymnasiums catering to various sports including cricket, football, hockey, volleyball, squash, table tennis, lawn tennis, badminton, and swimming, the Narowal Sports City is designed to offer international standard settings for athletes’ training.
The completion of the Narowal Sports Complex marks a significant milestone, as previous concerns regarding funds misappropriation cases have been addressed. The project has now been given a clean chit and is on track to provide a world-class sporting facility for athletes and spectators alike.
