KARACHI: Jam Kamal Khan, the Balochistan Chief Minister, has assured his full support to Quetta Gladiators stating that the provincial government will provide all the possible facilities to the franchise so that they can stage various tournaments for the athletes of Quetta and the whole province.

A Quetta Gladiators delegation led by team manager Azam Khan met the chief minister in Quetta the other day along with Pakistan international player Anwar Ali and QG’s Head of Media Nabeel Hashmi.

“We will try to facilitate Quetta Gladiators in all possible ways in their attempt to stage sporting competitions in Quetta and whole Balochistan,” Jam Kamal said. “Quetta Gladiators have made us proud with their never say die attitude and strong performances in PSL. It’s because of them that people recognize Quetta globally and they have been great ambassadors of the city and Balochistan.”

The delegation apprised the chief minister about the work Quetta Gladiators have done in last three years under the leadership of franchise owner Nadeem Omar which include talent hunt, inter-school competitions, bringing top youngsters of the province to Karachi in order to groom them with better exposure and tournaments.

“Nadeem Omar has done a very big favour for the people of Quetta and Balochistan by a buying a PSL franchise. The fans now have a platform where they can express their love and affiliation. They have a team of their own city. I would like to make a joint proposal with Quetta Gladiators where we can work in sync to provide much better opportunities for our youth,” Jam Kamal added. “The Gladiators have given hope to the youth of Balochistan and it is because of them that our youngsters have started taking cricket more seriously as the passion has increased and they believe that one day they can also play for Quetta Gladiators.”

The delegation officially invited the chief minister on behalf of Nadeem Omar to come to UAE and support Gladiators in PSL season 4 to which the chief minister said that he will try his best to make it there and support the team.

“I hope that Quetta Gladiators win the PSL title this time around and we’ll try to go there and support our team,” the chief minister remarked, while lauding the Gladiators decision to have two players from Balochistan this time around with Jalat Khan and Mohammad Asghar in their ranks.

In the meeting, sports minister Abdul Khaliq Hazara, provincial minister Naseebullah Mari and Minister of Energy Mubeen Khilji and Coordinator CM Bilal were present.

Jam Kamal further praised QG’s decision of having legendary Sir Vivian Richards as team’s mentor stating that having one of greatest players of all time has given more recognition to Quetta in the world while players can have invaluable experience through him.

“It doesn’t get bigger than having Sir Vivain as mentor because he is someone who was well ahead of his time and he can make our players mentally strong.”

He also lauded Pakistan and Quetta Gladiators captain Sarfraz Ahmed. “Sarfraz is a true fighter and a true Gladiator. He has led very well and I would like to have a session with him in future.”

Meanwhile, the delegation met ex-Gladiators player Bismillah Khan and his family to offer condolences on the sad demise of his mother.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2019