Present at the reception was a cross section of Pakistani community living in this capital city of New Zealand.
On arrival, the team was received by Syed Moazzam Hussain Shah, Deputy High Commissioner (who is acting head of the mission these days), and after brief speeches by him and manager Intikhab Alam, the players and Pakistani community – most of them accompanied by spouses and children – intermingled in a most congenial environment.
Former Pakistan captain, these days a much-in-demand international commentator and Pakistan Super League’s brand ambassador, Ramiz Raja was also present on the occasion.
Surrounded by the light banter and friendly and welcoming Pakistani faces, all the cricketers obliged each and every body who wanted to have a word or get photographed with them.
The high commission may have a retinue as small as just five staffers, but it was not found short in enthusiasm and hospitality towards the Pakistani players and other guests. The Deputy High Commissioner, along with his spouse and family, turned out to be an impeccable host at a sumptuous dinner.
Six Pakistan T20I players leave for back home
Six Pakistan specialists selected for the shortest format of the game – skipper Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Umar Akmal, Iftikhar Ahmed, Amir Yamin and Saad Nasim – left here for back home after the conclusion of the T20I part of the rubber, with stopovers at Melbourne and Dubai. The Lahore-based players shall arrive there on Sunday evening.
Pakistan ODI squad to practice at Basin Reserve Sunday
Pakistan ODI squad is scheduled to practice Sunday (January 24) ahead of the first one-day international here at Basin Reserve on January 25. The full training session shall commence in the afternoon, and is expected to run in excess of three hours.
