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LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, hosted players and officials from six international women’s cricket teams participating in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in a grand ceremony held at the historic Lahore Fort on Sunday.
The Women cricketers were treated like royalty at the majestic event, receiving a royal welcome and traditional hospitality with ceremonial guards and attendants offering regal courtesies.
The event was attended by women’s World Cup Qualifier teams, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand, along with their coaching and management staff.
Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi personally welcomed all teams and officials at the Alamgiri Gate and was introduced to the players and staff. A group photo was also taken with all teams at the iconic gate.
Speaking on the occasion, the chairman of the PCB welcomed all teams and called Pakistan a peaceful, safe, and cricket-loving country.
“We welcome all teams to the vibrant city of Lahore. You are our special guests,” said Mohsin Naqvi.
“Pakistan is a peaceful, safe, and cricket-loving country. We hope your stay here is pleasant and memorable,” he said.
The visiting women players and match officials were taken on a guided tour of Lahore’s heritage, including the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Iqbal’s Mausoleum, and Hazuri Bagh. They also enjoyed a colorful ride on the traditional “Rangila Rikshaw.”
The event featured a spectacular cultural show by Dholchi performers, with foreign players joining the festive dancing.
In the Diwan-e-Khas, royal attendants dressed in Mughal-era costumes welcomed the guests with traditional courtesies.
The arrival of the symbolic “King” was followed by an elegant Kathak dance performance, which enthralled the foreign guests and received hearty applause. The soulful flute melodies also cast a magical spell on the attendees.
Guests were also given a tour of Diwan-e-Aam, Barood Khana, and Sheesh Mahal, where they learned about the rich history of the Lahore Fort. Many foreign players and officials expressed deep interest in the fort’s historical significance.
A special dinner was also hosted in honor of the international guests.
The foreign women players expressed gratitude for organizing the event and thanked PCB.
“This event was truly memorable. Thank you, PCB. We are delighted to see such historic sites and will carry fond memories of Lahore with us,” they stated.
U.S. Consul General Ms. Kristin K. Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sameer Ahmed, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Javed Murtaza, Head of Women’s Cricket Rafia Haider, Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla, Director of Domestic Cricket Abdullah Khurram Niazi, Director of HR Faisal Malik, and other senior officials were also present at the event.
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