No need to plead with any country to play in Pakistan, PM tells Shahryar Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, addressing guests at an event hosted to honour the Pakistan cricket team, asked Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shahryar Khan to not plead with any foreign team to visit the country. 

"There is no need to plead with any country to visit Pakistan, those who want to play in Pakistan will visit themselves," said the premier. 

The prime minister paid tribute to the players and honoured them for their performance during the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy. 

Nawaz also shared anecdotes from his youth and said he was an ardent cricketer too. 

After the conclusion of the premier's speech, he distributed prize money among the players and participated in a photography session with PCB's management and players.  

Earlier, the victorious Pakistan cricket team reached the PM House on Tuesday where an event was being held to honour the winners of ICC Champions Trophy 2017.

All-rounder Shoaib Malik thanked the PM for inviting the team.

Speaking at the event, batsman Azhar Ali said as a team “we enjoyed the tournament.” He added that the captain boosted the team’s morale after the initial defeat. 

State Water and Power Minister Abid Sher Ali, Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal and State Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb greeted the team and officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The family members of the players are accompanying the team, which is lodged at a private hotel in the capital. 

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and all senior cabinet members were present at the event, as was PCB Chairman Shahreyar Khan.  

An indoor cricket pitch along with wickets has also been set up inside.