Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 20, 2020):-Alot has changed since I was playing in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The biggest difference is people are now aware of what’s going on with their national team. When I broke the world record for the highest individual Test score in 2002, people didn’t know about it unless they were going out to buy the newspapers. Former India Test and ODI captain Mithali Raj says women’s cricket has come on leaps and bounds since she made her debut in 1999. Raj believes Thailand’s appearance in Australia could completely transform the landscape of women’s cricket worldwide She predicts India to put up a good fight against Australia in Friday night’s tournament opener at the Sydney Showground Stadium. But now, it’s seen by everyone all over television and on social media – a lot has changed not only in how people get their news but their desire for women’s cricket. We rarely got good grounds to play on back in our day. For example, at the 2000 World Cup we played at Lincoln University – quite different to the situation today where the top stars are getting to play at historic grounds like the MCG or the WACA. We used to travel to different places all over the world to play but barely got any time to acclimatise. There was no travel or daily allowance, nor a physio or strength and conditioning trainer to look out for the fitness. We travelled to matches with just our head coach and manager and just didn’t have any form of cushioning. Back in my day, we only had male players as inspiration because that’s all we used to see on the television. Today a young girl can have a role model in the form of a female cricketer and I think that’s the biggest chance I have seen. I am very excited for this ICC T20 Women’s World Cup. The coverage and the reach of women’s cricket has grown so much since when I played in the 50-over World Cup in 2017, which is what is making it more popular. And it’s not just the social media hype around it. For the first time, I don’t think there is just one contender, but four or five teams who could win it. The gap between the top and bottom teams is closing. You can’t go by the practice matches alone, but it does give you a rough indication of how the tournament could play out. Take Sri Lanka beating England for example — there is a possibility that could happen again. India also did well to chase 170 against the hosts Australia in the tri-series, where there were all sorts of different results. When you see these scores, and tight games, there is so much more quality now in the game, even just since the last edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Of course, they weren’t in a World Cup format but these glimpses show that the gap is closing. I think Australia go in favourites but we can’t push every other team aside. Teams like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh can compete too. I am curious to see how Thailand fair against the big sides in their first ICC tournament. Women’s cricket has come of age getting a team like Thailand in to play the top nations. This tournament will reach out to non-cricketing nations because of Thailand. They do not have a huge cricket culture there, but having a team playing at an ICC tournament will help people in Thailand become interested in the World Cup and countries, which have never been into a team sport like cricket will be inspired by their journey. There isn’t long left until the tournament gets underway and India’s opener against Australia is definitely one of the matches I’m looking forward to the most. Australia go in as favourites, but India will be no pushover. They have some very talented players and I think it will be a very close, high-scoring game. In the T20 format, you can’t really predict a winner because it all depends on how the main players perform on that particular day. Both teams have exciting players, particular in the batting units, and it will be a case of whoever can score the runs that their country need on the day. I do think Australia have the advantage because of their T20 record and have a slightly better chance of winning the first game against India but no matter what, it’s going to be a very exciting way to open the tournament.

By Our Special Correspondent ISLAMABAD (February 20, 2020):-After the conclusion of the Marylebone Cricket Club’s week-long tour of Lahore, Kumar Sangakkara, the President of the prestigious MCC and captain of the club’s touring squad to Pakistan, has said that he would love if more international teams consider touring Pakistan so international cricket in the country can be resumed in full force. The MCC arrived in Lahore on 13 February to play a 50-over and three T20-over matches. Over the course of their stay, the visitors explored the city by playing golf, visiting the historic Lahore Fort and enjoying dinners across Lahore. Speaking to PCB Podcast, which is available here for free listening and downloading for editorial purposes only, the batting great said: “It's been great to be back in Pakistan. “It's been a long time since I came here and it has been even longer for the MCC. For us, it has been about coming here and playing cricket in support of Pakistan's journey of getting international cricket back. “It's important that, when you are in a country on a tour, you're not confined to a hotel, but you can go around and enjoy the city and the country you're in. “It is excellent for us to get to the [Lahore] Gymkhana golf course quite a few times. The players absolutely loved it. We were hosted with some amazing hospitality and warmth. “The message we will be taking back is about the warmth of the people, the welcome of the fabulous spectators who came to watch cricket, the passion the players and people have for it and our own experiences of playing here and traveling about in Lahore. “We would love for teams to consider coming here so that international cricket can finally come back to Pakistan in full force.” In the last three months, Sri Lanka have played two Tests – in Rawalpindi and Karachi – and Bangladesh have been here twice for a three-match T20I series and a Test in Rawalpindi. With the fifth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, commencing today, being hosted in Pakistan for the first time since the advent of the league, the MCC’s visit rubberstamps the country’s ability to host international cricket. “It is important things are put into context, moves are made, minds meet and things are reconsidered because the message that we take back is that Pakistan is a great place to tour,” Sangakkara said. “I remember all those matches that I've played here but it's always special to come back and revisit it. We never expected such a big crowd for a first game against the Qalandars. When we got to the ground, we had almost 19,000 people, hungry to watch some cricket. “We were really, really impressed and we're very, very moved and we understand very, very easily how much passion there is and how the lack of international cricket is not a great thing for Pakistan, for the people, for the players and for the financial status of the PCB.” Over the course of their matches – a one-dayer against Pakistan Shaheens and three 20-over-a-side contests against HBL PSL franchises Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans and domestic T20 champions Northern – the MCC have played against some of the most exciting prospects in Pakistan’s domestic circuit. Sangakkara – who has 12,400 Test runs, the most for any Sri Lankan batsman – praised the young talent in country. “I think Pakistan cricket is in a very healthy state,” he said. “Pakistan has always produced exceptional cricketers, especially young cricketers with a lot of variety; really fast bowlers, really good batsmen, mystery spinners, wrist spinners, you name it. On this trip it was no different. “There were so many players from the Qalandars’ side who were exciting and orthodox. In the Northern, the domestic T20 champions, you had exciting players. In the [Pakistan] Shaheens, you had some really good batsmen.” There is a divide in the global cricket fraternity regarding the future of Test cricket and whether four-day Tests should replace five-day contests. When the question was put to Sangakkara, he said: “It doesn't matter where you emotionally stand. Whether I love Test cricket? Yes, of course, without a doubt. It is my favorite format. Should it be five days? Yes, of course, it should be five days. “But, the reality is slightly different here. And we need to ask how many Test matches really go into five days? How many people are now actually coming to the ground to watch five days of cricket? Or whether there is a realistic possibility into the future of them coming with the time constraints of a modern society? “In certain countries we have the average age of a cricket fan of 45-plus which is not a healthy sign. It is a complicated thing on how we attract a cash-rich time-poor younger demographic of people and younger players to the game and also keep the established fans interested. It is a complicated thing. “Day-night Tests have been mooted and various other innovations have been brought to keep the crowds in the stadiums for Test cricket. “And, it is not just about the big sides that play, it has also been about the slightly lesser sides that have had the Test status. What does cricket mean for them? Five days of cricket for certain sides and four days for others, that’s not a healthy way to go forward either. “It is debate that will go on for some time but the solutions have to be practical and equitable. It has to be fair to the spectators, to the sponsors, to the TV networks that bring in so much money into this sport and also to the players. So it is not an easy answer and a lot more thought has to go into it.”

SB News KARACHI (February 20, 2020):-All-rounder Anwar Ali will replace Umar Akmal in the Quetta Gladiators’ line-up for the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 following the event’s technical committee’s approval. The technical committee is chaired by PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan and it includes Bazid Khan, Marina Iqbal, Sameer Khosa and Dr Sohail Saleem. The 32-year-old comes in as a Silver category player. He has turned out for Quetta Gladiators in all previous editions, scoring 191 runs and taking 23 wickets in 32 HBL PSL matches. Quetta Gladiators, the defending champions, will begin their title defence tonight with the opening match of the fifth edition against two-time champion Islamabad United at the National Stadium, Karachi, at 9pm.  

SB News KARACHI (February 20, 2020):-The PCB Cricket Committee held its first meeting of 2020 under the chairmanship of former Test spinner Iqbal Qasim. Wasim Akram, Umar Gul, Urooj Mumtaz, Ali Naqvi, Wasim Khan and Zakir Khan (both co-opted members) attended the session. Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq and Haroon Rashid, Director – Domestic cricket operations, attended the meeting on special invitations. The cricket committee recommended the PCB should explore a window in the 2020-21 domestic cricket to slot in a tournament for the departments. In this relation, Director – Domestic cricket operations, Haroon Rashid, has been requested to look into the potential window in the next season and update the cricket committee at the next meeting, which is expected in April. Haroon briefed the committee that the PCB has hosted 12 tournaments, comprising 190 matches, in the season to date. His presentation also included learnings, such as quality of practice facilities, food provision for players, player remunerations and standard of wickets, amongst other areas. The committee requested that updates on the areas for improvement be provided at the next meeting in April. The cricket committee appreciated that the quality of cricket this season had vastly improved, which has also been acknowledged through player feedback. There was a discussion on the appointment of the six Cricket Association coaches and the process that will be adopted for analysing and assessing their performance. It was agreed that further investment in developing the knowledge, skills and capabilities of the elite coaches was needed in order to adopt more modern practices. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan briefed the committee that a more through fit for purpose and revised No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy for players had been developed. The committee supported the revised NOC policy, while requesting that the PCB should fully and strictly follow it to ensure that Pakistan’s elite cricketers continue to give precedence to domestic tournaments above all else. The committee had a healthy discussion with Misbah-ul-Haq, who appraised them on his selection policies, performance of the side and forward planning. The cricket committee recommended more clarity around the selection process. Misbah informed the committee that he had developed a nucleus of players, especially across Twenty20 cricket. The former captain added the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will help him give final shape to his pool of players for this year’s Asia Cup and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Urooj Mumtaz, who is also head of women’s wing and chair of the national women’s selection committee, provided an overview and update on the progress women’s cricket have made in the past 12 month. She informed the committee about the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held from 21 February to 8 March. Pakistan will play their opening match against the West Indies on 26 February in Canberra. Urooj briefed the committee on the ICC’s decision to introduce the ICC Women’s U19 Cricket World Cup, which will help in identifying and developing young talent and nurturing them into word-class cricketers. The committee congratulated Urooj on the progress being made. The committee insisted more investment, effort and work was needed to further promote and develop women’s cricket.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 20, 2020):-that Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan is continued at S.Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad. The 3rd Seed Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) qualified for the Girls Singles final by eliminating Hannah Kaile Shen (HKG) in a well contested two set match 6-1, 7-6(6), the match lasted two hours. In the other unfinished semi final top seed Ren Ke (CHN) is leading 5-2 in the final set when match was stopped due to heavy rain in Islamabad and reschedule tomorrow at 9:30 AM. Girls Singles Final will be played on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, the 2nd Seed Mohammad Shaib of Pakistan moved into the semi final by winning her encounter against Tuna Nergizoglue (TUR) in smooth sailing without any resistance. Unseeded Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) continued his winning streak and advanced into the semi final by beating Kerem Ozlale (TUR) in a three set entertaining and thrilling match; Kerem Ozlale won the 1st set at 7-5 by breaking last game of Subhan in which he did two double faults. In the second set Subhan changed the game plan and won the second set at 6-1 by breaking 3rd, 5th and 7th game of Kerem Ozlale; In the final set Subhan Bin Salik kept the same pressure and won the final set at 6-3 by breaking 2nd and 6th game. This match also lasted 2 hrs 10 minutes. Subhan Bin Salik will face Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) in the Semi final. In the 3dr quarter final, Aryan Giri (NEP) was leading 4-3 in the second set after losing the first set 5-7 against 4th seed Ahmed Kamil (PAK) when the match had to halt due to rain. Ahmed is due to serve at 3-4. 4th Quarter could not be started between top seed Hakten Garayev (AZE) and 5th Seed Souta Oomura (JPN) and rescheduled to play tomorrow at 9:30 AM and winner of this match will play semi final against winner of Ahmed Akmil (PAK) and Aryan Giri (NEP) not before tomorrow 1:30 PM. The Doubles semi finals of Boys and Girls could not be started due to rain and have rescheduled tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow is also sing-in for the second week J5 Islamabad ITF Pakistan Junior (24-29 Feb-2020) for Boys Qualifying event between 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Following are the results: Boys’ Singles (Quarter Finals) Mohammad Shaoib (PAK) beat Tune Nergizoglu (TUR) 6-2, 6-1; Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) beat Kerem Ozlale (TUR) 5-7, 6-1, 6-3; Unfinished Match: Ahmed Kamil (PAK) Vs Aryan Giri (NEP) 7-5; 3-4 Girls Singles Semi Finals Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Hannah Kaile Shen (HKG) 6-1, 7-6(6) Unfinished Match: Ren Ke (CHN) Vs Billur Gonlusen (TUR) 5-7, 6-1, 5-2. Boys Doubles Semi Finals (Abandoned due to rain) Girls Doubles Semi Finals (Abandoned due to rain)

Sheikh M0hammad Anwar It is said, “Hospitals become barren where playing grounds are functional”.  The world of sports has a big moral power and civilized world through heir sports took their countries to a new height, however, nobody could deny the importance of sports. Similarly, Imam Ghazali said that a healthy body has a healthy mind which compels for positive thinking. Healthy minds always decide positive and effective decisions. Here, I would like to say that If some understood the spirit of sports, he is Chief Executive Pakistan Weight Lifting Federation Hafiz Imran Butt. Last days, it happened to me to go Uzbekistan (Tashkent) as Team Manager in connection with International Solidarity Weight Lifting Championship Uzbekistan (Tashkent) Qualification Event Olympic Games 2020 along with Hafiz Imran Butt, in which, players of 47 countries participated. We reached Uzbekistan along with Talha Talib and Zohaib Manzoor by HY464 Uzbekistan airways. Talha Talib had secured a gold medal and two silver medals in International Solidarity Weight Lifting Championship held in Qahirah 2018, while, in Uzbekistan, Talha Talib won three gold medals in 67 kg category in the recent Championship. Similarly, Zohaib Manzoor secured fifth position, in 96kg category. Sensational scenes were observed in Weight lifting hall where, no Pakistani was present except Hafiz Imran Butt, I and the above mentioned players.  While, Talha Talib won gold medal in 67 kg category, Stage 142 and Clean and Jerk 162 and hoisted the Pakistani flag in Uzbekistan. The weight lifting hall was echoed with Pakistan Zindabad. Talking to the media, Talha Talib that he was very happy over the victory, first of all, I am thankful to Allah Almighty, Who reached me in victory stand and he attributes his victory to Pakistani Nation and Pakistan Weight Lifting Federation whose prayers help him win the championship. Talha said, “We can give excellent performance, if government provide facilities to us like that provided to players in other countries”.  Sheikh Anwar said that it was his first tour along with Pakistani weight lifting team as a manager to Uzbakistan, for which “I am grateful to the federation”.   He lamented that India sent 10 players to Uzbakistan for taking part in International weight lifting championship and 16 players including male and female players for Asian Youth International Weight Lifting Championship while Pakistan sent two players. However, I came to know that the weight lifting federation was facing financial constraint, due to which, two players were sent. Under the 18th amendment, neither Pakistan Sports Board nor provinces support financially to the federation, due to which, federation was facing financial crunch. When, I talked to Indian team manager, he told me, that their federation get annual grant of Rs 120 to 150 million from Indian government, besides providing facility of air travelling. “It was shocking me, and I thought, ‘Alas’ Pakistan government patronage our players like that of India, then Pakistan can obtain the lost glory in the sports sector”. Mr Ellia of Kazakhastan, who made the record of World Champion in Olympic Chamion 2008, 2012 and 2014, told us in a meeting that his doctor, physiotherapist, neutrician coach, training coach and loader are with me at all times.  He disclosed that preparations for Olympic games would be started the very next day and a training camp would be set up for them. It is a tragic that players in Pakistan get a brief time, due to which, players could not practice properly. Sheikh Anwar expressed the pleasure that it was not a less than honour, that Paksiani players won gold medals in World Championship. He said that Pakistan could not materialize the dream of making champion in sports, until sports at school and college level are organized. It was surprising for him that from 15 to 16 years male and female students participated in the Youth Olympic Championship. He stressed the need for imparting training to children from 8 to 10 years of age so that they could be able to take part in Asian and Commonwealth Games. The well grooming of parents certainly transferred to their children, and in this regard, Noah Butt, Abdullah Butt and Talha Talib were an example. Sheikh Anwar said it was deplorable that Wapda, army, police, railways and HEC players had no rods and plates of international standard. As we saw in Uzbakastan competitions, rods and plates of ELEIKO and ZKC companies were available in abundance for players of other countries for practice. While talking, Hafiz Imran Butt said that he visited Uzbakastan in 2018 and that time, the airport of Tashkent was old and now it was modern that like of Dubai airport. When, he asked he protocol officer, how much time the airport took to complete, he told that only 10 months. He demanded the government to support players of other sports other than Cricket players. He stressed the need for building training halls of international standard for promoting individual sport like weight lifting sports. World Champion Al-bagh Faris who came from Qatar asked this writer, “Have you ever organized international weight lifting competitions in Pakistan” and the answer was ‘No’ as there was no hall for weight lifting competitions in Pakistan. However, the writer stressed the need for promoting weight lifting sport and facilitating players to bring laurel for Pakistan.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 19, 2020):-Local girl Zoha Asim failed to show impressive performance in the second round of the ongoing Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships 2020 at PTF Tennis Complex on Wednesday. In girls Singles Hannah Kaile Shen from Hong Kong made the major upset of the tournament when she overwhelm 2nd seed Dorasa Cheraghi from Iran in straight set win by breaking 9th game in first set and 7th game in second set and moved into the Semi final.  The match lasted 1 hr 45 minutes.  Top seed Ke Ren from China was leading 1-0 against Amina Saliyayeva from USA when she conceded the match due to the diarrhea and fever. 3rd seed Mina Toglukdemir and 4th seed Billur Gonlusen from Turkey are also registered straight set wins and move into the semi finals.  In the Boys singles;  4th seed Ahmed Kamil of Pakistan struggle hard to win his encounter against Nikta Bortnichek from Russia in a well contested thrilling three set match. Wild Card entrant Kerem Ozlale and Tuna Nergizoglue from Turkey, and Aryan Giri from Nepal also move into the quarter final by winning their respective matches in straight sets. In the Boys Doubles event Ahmed Kamil (PAK) / Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) qualified for the semi final by eliminating Chinese Taipai players Kuan Chang Huang (TPE) / Chun Tang (TPE) in straight sets. Min-Hung Kao (TPE) / Araiz Malik (PAK) also moved into the semi final when they got walk over against 2nd seed Matteo Covato (ITA) / Souta Oomura (JPN) due to muscular soreness injury to Matteo Covato from Italy.  Salim Saifullah Khan President, Pakistan Tennis Federation visited PTF Complex to witness the matches of ITF J5 Islamabad; he interacted with the foreign players, coaches and their parents; He also welcomed them in Pakistan. The PRO of Ministry of IPC and the Pakistan Sports Board team also visited PTF Complex and appreciated the arrangements and professional conduct of the international event. Following are the results: Boy’s Singles (Pre-Quarter Finals) Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Qwyn Quittned (AUS) 6-0, 6-2; Tune Nergizoglu (TUR) beat Abdullah (PAK) 6-1, 6-0; Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Nikta Bortnichek (RUS) 5-7, 6-2, 6-2; Aryan Giri (NEP) beat Emir Toglukdemir (TUR) 6-0, 6-3. Girls Singles Quarter Finals Hannah Kaile Shen (HKG) beat Dorsa Cherghai (IRI) 6-4, 6-4; Billur Gonlusen (TUR) beat Zhansaya Bakytzhan (KAZ) 6-1, 7-5; Ren Ke (CHN) beat Amina Salibayeva (USA) 1-0 (Retd). Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Zoha Asim (PAK) 6-2, 6-2. Boys Doubles Quarter Finals Ahmed Kamil (PAK) / Mohammad Shaoib (PAK) beat Kuan Chang Huang (TPE) / Chun Tang (TPE) 6-1, 7-5;   Min-Hung Kao (TPE) / Araiz Malik (PAK) W/O Matteo Covato (ITA) / Sauta Oomura (JPN); Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quitiner (AUS) beat Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) / Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) 7-5, 6-2; Birtan Duran (TUR) / Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Zalan Khan (PAK) / Raahim Agha (BGR) 6-1, 6-4. Girls Doubles (Quarter Finals) Amel Sammari (TUN) / Hannah Kaile Shen (HKG) w/o Amina Salibayeva (USA) / Asima Sazanova (KAZ); Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) / Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) beat Zoha Asim (PAK)  / Zhansaya Bakytzhan (KAZ) 6-1, 7-5; Sie Ding Chain (MAS) / Ke Ren (CHN) beat Jeongmin IM (KOR) / Jun Seo Lee (KOR) 6-0, 6-4;

SB News KARACHI (February 18, 2020):-The PCB Cricket Committee will hold its first meeting of the year tomorrow, 19 February, at a local hotel in Karachi. This will be the first of the four gatherings that the revamped committee, under Iqbal Qasim, will hold in 2020. Some of the items on the agenda of the meeting are: i)                    Presentation by Misbah-ul-Haq, chief selector and head coach of Pakistan national men’s team, on the team’s performance since his appointment ii)                  Update on women cricket by Urooj Mumtaz iii)                Review of the domestic season and of ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson’s report

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 18, 2020):-HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, the biggest cricket spectacle in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, will carry mammoth prize money of US$1million, it was announced today (Tuesday). The winners of the 22 March final under Gaddafi Stadium lights will collect a cheque of U$500K along with a glittering and brand new trophy, while the runner-up will receive a cheque of US$200K. In addition to the above, there will be number of other cash awards, including U$4,500 each to all the 34 player of the matches. Furthermore, US$80K will be equally distributed to player of the tournament, best batsman, best bowler and Spirit of Cricket. The remaining amount will be distributed for other match-related awards like best catch, best run-out and most sixes. The 34-match 32-day HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will be the biggest cricket extravaganza to take place in Pakistan and first since the six-team Asia Cup 2008. Twelve years ago, the then four Test playing countries were joined by the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong in a 13-match tournament in Karachi and Lahore. Sri Lanka had defeated India in the final at the National Stadium by 100 runs. Prior to this tournament, Pakistan had staged the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1987 and 1996. In 1987, Pakistan had hosted 10 matches at seven venues, while 16 matches were played at six venues in 1996. Although a domestic tournament, the six-team HBL Pakistan Super League will be held across four venues with Karachi staging nine, Lahore 14, Rawalpindi eight and Multan three. The opening match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will be held between defending champions Quetta Gladiators and two-time former winners Islamabad United at the National Stadium and will commence at 9pm following an attractive opening ceremony, which will begin at 6.45pm.

By BIPIN DANI Meher Mohammad Khalil, the bus driver who turned Sri Lanka's "hero" in 2009 met Kumar Sangakkara during the recent trip to Pakistan. Former Sri Lanka captain and wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who happens to be the first Asian president of the world's most famous cricket club-MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) has taken his team to Pakistan to play one 50-over game and three T20 matches in Lahore. Speaking exclusively over telephone from Lahore, Meher Khalil said, "I met Sangakkara at the Aitcheson College ground in Lahore before the match. It was my pleasure to meet the legend". Incidentally, Sangajkkara was a member of the squad which was attacked by the terrorist attack on 3rd March in 2009. "It was Sangakkara's first visit after the incident and he did enquire about the country and wished me well". "We are fortunate enough to have a great cricketer in our country and I am sure he will encourage the other countries to come and play here". Meher Khalil had earned fame and success after saving Sri Lanka’s cricket team from a deadly 2009 attack in Pakistan. He was even invited by the Sri Lankan government and was accorded the VIP treatment during his stay in Sri Lanka.   "I could not meet Sangakkara during my Sri Lanka visit but I had met him in South Africa when he toured with the team there. I was employed in South Africa for a short period", Khalil added. Playing golf The 43-year-old Sangakkara also played golf in Lahore. “MCC team enjoyed a bright sunny day in Lahore with a game of golf” , the PCB official said. "President Kumar Sangakkara and other members of the squad were seen playing on their rest day", the official added.