KARACHI: Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui has extended his support to the Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) in getting two of its teams into the domestic first class circuit recently revamped by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

He made these observations while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of Commissioner Karachi Cup here at the National Stadium on Sunday evening.

Shoaib said it was the right of the Karachi players to get represented by at least two teams in the domestic circuit for being the biggest cricketing centre of the country.

“Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan where different communities reside and it is the biggest nursery of cricket which has produced dozens of famous players, so it should have maximum representation,” he said.

He further said he would personally speak to PCB chairman Shaharyar M. Khan to get the issue resolved in an amicable manner.

Shoaib disclosed that he has assured the PCB chairman that there is no issue of security for the sports activities including cricket matches.

He added that very recently the 18-nation World Snooker Championship was successfully staged which earned lot of praise from players and officials of the participating countries.

He said that organising the Commissioner Karachi Cup is an honour for him.

Meanwhile, KCCA joint secretary Jamil Ahmed, speaking on the occasion, slammed the PCB for not giving direct entry to the second Karachi team. Ex-Pakistan captain Wasim Bari, KCCA president and secretary Prof Ejaz Faruqi, Shafiq Kazmi, legendary Test umpire Mehboob Shah also spoke on the occasion.

Pakistan vice-captain Sarfraz Ahmed, all-rounder Anwar Ali and former leg-spinner Danish Kaneria also attended the ceremony.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2015

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