SJAS XI triumph over PCB Staff XI in historic friendly match
PCB-media ties based on friendship, mutual respect. This bond to grow stronger: Arshad Khan, GM, NSK
Grateful to PCB Chairman for allowing Karachi’s journalists to play at NSK after 25 years: Asghar Azeem, Secretary PSWF
It is a commendable initiative by PCB, we thank Chairman Mohsin Naqvi: Mehmood Riaz, President SJAS
Winning or losing is part of the game, but true victory is unbreakable bond of affection & friendship between PCB, sports journalists: Shahid Saati, Secretary SJAS
Karachi (Sports Link Report) : The Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS) defeated the PCB Staff XI by 50 runs in a friendly cricket match held at the National Stadium Karachi — marking the first such encounter between journalists and PCB officials in 25 years.
Batting first, SJAS XI set a target of 208 runs, while the PCB Staff XI were bowled out for 156 runs, handing SJAS a thumping victory.
Speaking at the occasion, Arshad Khan, General Manager of the National Stadium Karachi, said that the match, organized with the approval of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, highlighted the professional, friendly, and cooperative relationship between PCB and the media, a bond that continues to grow stronger with time.
Asghar Azeem, Secretary General of the Pakistan Sports Writers Federation (PSWF), expressed gratitude to Chairman Mohsin Naqvi for allowing the event to take place at the main stadium. He also appreciated Shaheer Khan, Managing Director of Sports Events Solution, for extending support for the historic match, adding that even small events rely on sponsorship, and Shaheer’s gesture deserved applause.
It is heartening to mention that two veteran journalists, Anees-ur-Rehman and Javed Iqbal, who also played in the journalists’ match at the National Stadium 25 years ago, were present to relive old memories. Furthermore, another notable factor was the participation of former first-class cricketer and TV anchor Mujahid Solangi last played at the National Stadium in 1999, representing Pakistan against Rest of the England.
Addressing the conclusion ceremony, Mehmood Riaz, President of SJAS, remarked that providing sports journalists the chance to play on this historic ground is a commendable initiative by PCB for which he extended heartfelt gratitude to Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi for his encouragement and support.
Shahid Saati, Secretary of SJAS, summed up the spirit of the day by stating that winning or losing was part of the game, but there was no loser in the match! In fact the real victory was the mutual respect shared between PCB and the sports journalists’ community.
