Eagerly waiting for Champions Trophy: Australian High Commissioner

ISLAMABAD: Australia’s High Commissioner Neil Hawkins says he wishes success to Pakistan in hosting the Champions Trophy.

Talking to media on the occasion of the 8th AHC-PCB Girls’ Cricket Cup in Islamabad, he said that the mega event always promises great action. “Pakistan is a sports loving country. Australian team always enjoy playing here. Both teams visited each other countries in recent times. It is the ICC which has the powers to decide on the Champions Trophy.”

The Australian High Commission (AHC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with the support of Serena Hotels, hosted the 8th AHC-PCB Girls’ Cricket Cup Friday. The event brought together young players from Islamabad’s schools, celebrating girls breaking barriers and batting for gender equality.

Hawkins joined 60 girls from four schools to watch the final match of the tournament. In the week leading up to the final match, PCB’s first-class coaches conducted an intensive five-day coaching clinic, preparing the girls to shine on the field and feel more confident off the field.

“The smiles on the girls’ faces say it all. Sport is a great motivator – it builds teamwork and confidence. Of course, cricket is a passion that binds Australia and Pakistan, it makes perfect sense for us to support this wonderful event.”

The Australian High Commission has been sponsoring girls’ cricket in Pakistan since 2016, starting with a tournament in Islamabad. Now, it has grown to Lahore and Karachi, empowering girls across the nation.

“It’s not just about boundaries on the pitch but also overcoming boundaries in life. Every ball bowled, every catch taken helps promote gender empowerment. Pakistan faces many challenges as we all know, but they can only be overcome if the potential of all Pakistanis – men and women – is utilised.” Hawkins said.

Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, echoed the sentiment: “This is an outstanding platform that empowers young girls by providing access to professional coaching and opportunities to develop their cricketing skills.”

The AHC-PCB Girls’ Cup Islamabad featured teams from Mashal Model School Bari Imam, SOS Children’s Village H-11, Islamabad Model School for Girls – F-6/1 and Islamabad Model School for Girls I-9/1 Islamabad.