ICC President discusses cricket with Punjab CM

LAHORE: International Cricket Council (ICC) President Zaheer Abbas here Saturday called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and discussed the matters regarding promotion of cricket and setting up of cricket grounds.The Chief Minister said that cricket is the most popular game in the country and there is a lot of talent for which coordinated steps are needed to polish it so that Pakistan could again achieve a prominent place in the cricket world.The Punjab government, he mentioned, has started a programme to establish cricket grounds, adding that initially work has been started on eight cricket grounds. Cricket grounds will be established in every district under a phase’wise programme.He said that it will promote cricket and new talent will come forward.The Chief Minister said that Pakistani cricketers have won laurels for the country on several occasions.He said that steps should be continued for the revival of international cricket in Pakistan and the Punjab government is ready to extend all out cooperation in this regard.Shehbaz Sharif ‘said that a comprehensive programme was being implemented for the promotion of cricket and other sports.The CM said that a game should be treated as a game and sportsmanship is the real spirit behind all games, including cricket.Shehbaz Sharif said all out facilities would be provided for the promotion of different sports, including cricket.President ICC Zaheer Abbas while speaking on the occasion said that steps taken by Shehbaz Sharif for the establishment of cricket grounds were commendable and new cricket talent will come forward.He also assured full cooperation to the Punjab government for the promotion of cricket.’