Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD:-The Mashal Modal School Bari Imam (MMSBI) have won the 6th AHC-PCB Girls’ Cricket Cup after beating Islamabad Modal School for Girls (IMSG)’ F-6/1 here at F-9 Cricket ground on Wednesday, as the tournament was played under the banner of Australian High Commission (AHC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that aimed to train the girls to enhance their game skills.
In the final, IMSG scored 44 runs in 5 overs, as the Mashal School achieved their target in 4.4 overs. The four teams from different schools including Mashal Model School Bari Imam, SOS Children’s Village H-11, Islamabad Model School for Girls F-6/1 and Islamabad Model School for Girls I-9/1 Islamabad are the part of tournament. The girls attended a five-day coaching clinic in the lead-up to the competition conducted by PCB first class cricket coaches.
On this occasion, Australia’s Chargé d’ Affaires, Bryce Hutchesson congratulated the girls and the schools on their participation and welcomed the continued support of the PCB for the annual AHC-PCB Girls’ Cricket Cup.
“The Australian High Commission has been sponsoring girls’ cricket in Pakistan since 2016 to promote gender equality through sport. We began with a single annual tournament in Islamabad but have since expanded to Lahore and Karachi,” Hutchesson added.
“Our countries share a passion for cricket, so we’re very pleased to support this event. Cricket and other sports can help tear down barriers and stereotypes. Every time these girls make some runs, take a wicket or hold a catch, they are taking a step towards greater equality,” he said.
Hutchesson further said that High Commission was particularly happy to support the initiative during the Australian Cricket Team’s historic tour to Pakistan. “It’s an exciting time for cricket fans in both Australia and Pakistan. Cricket is one of the many bonds that bring our countries together,” he said.
The Head of Women’s Cricket at PCB, Tania Mallick said:
“On the auspicious occasion of the International Women's Day yesterday, with the Australian Cricket men's team playing in Pakistan after decades – it is a privilege to in collaborate with the Australian High Commission to organise this cricket event for underprivileged girls.”
“The Australian High Commission with the support of PCB always played a vital role in promoting women cricket and investing in the empowerment of women in Pakistan. Such events can play an important role in the development and promotion of women cricket. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship,” she added.
