Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged Pakistan's national cricket team to set its sights not just on winning the ICC Champions Trophy but also on defeating arch-rival India in their upcoming match in Dubai on 23 February.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium on Friday night, Sharif called on players to deliver their best performance.
"We have a very good side, and they have done well in recent times, but the real task now is to not only win the Champions Trophy but also defeat our arch-rival, India, in the upcoming match in Dubai. The entire nation stands behind them," Sharif said.
Pakistan and India share a fierce cricketing rivalry, with India generally holding the advantage in ICC events since the 1990s.
Pakistan’s most recent ICC victory against India was in 2021 when they triumphed in Dubai during the T20 World Cup.
Sharif's comments come amid heightened tensions between the two cricket boards, as India refused to send its team to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Also read: Focusing on England series and Champions Trophy: Rohit on future
Sharif expressed pride in Pakistan hosting a major ICC event after nearly 29 years, hailing it as a significant milestone for the country.
"It is a big occasion for Pakistan that we are hosting a big ICC event after nearly 29 years," he remarked.
The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction with the upgraded Gaddafi Stadium, saying the improved facilities now reflect Pakistan's unwavering passion for cricket.
"I have full confidence that our team will continue to make the nation proud in the upcoming Champions Trophy," Sharif asserted.
Several dignitaries, including politicians, government officials, PCB representatives, PSL franchise owners, and former PCB chairmen Zaka Ashraf and Najam Sethi, attended the event.
The ceremony celebrated the completion of the stadium's renovation in just 117 days.
Renowned singers Ali Zafar, Arif Lohar, and Aima Baig performed for the audience, while a vibrant fireworks display, drum show, and light spectacle added to the festivities.
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