KATHMANDU, March 11: The 9th Edition of the Nepal-Pakistan Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament concluded on Sunday with a grand Closing and Prize Distribution Ceremony.
The Cricket Excellence Centre Kathmandu emerged victorious, clinching the trophy, while Lee Cricket claimed the runner-up position in a spirited contest that began on March 2, 2024. The tournament saw participation from twelve esteemed clubs, showcasing the burgeoning talent in the sport across the region.
The ceremony was adorned by the presence of Shiva Koirala (Jwala), Vice President of the National Sports Council, Nepal, as the Chief Guest, who awarded the trophies to the winning and runner-up teams.
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The event was further graced by an array of distinguished guests including Golam Sarwar, Secretary General of SAARC, Noha Hamdy Ahmed Elgebaly, Ambassador of Egypt to Nepal, Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal, and Xie Yu, Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, among others. Representatives from the Cricket Association of Nepal, Himalayan Bank Limited, journalists, civil society members, and sports enthusiasts also attended the ceremony, underscoring the wide appeal and significance of the event.
The Special Guests presented awards to the standout players and officials, celebrating the achievements and hard work of those who excelled during the tournament. In his address, Shiva Koirala commended the Embassy of Pakistan for its pivotal role in organizing the event, noting its importance in the Kathmandu sporting calendar and as a testament to the close ties between Nepal and Pakistan.
Ambassador Abrar H. Hashmi congratulated the winning teams and acknowledged the efforts of all participants and organizers in making the tournament a success. He highlighted the tournament's role in providing a platform for emerging cricket talents in Nepal and fostering strong relations between the two nations. Since its inception in 2014, the event has been instrumental in bringing together the youth of Nepal and Pakistan through sports. Ambassador Hashmi expressed gratitude towards the guests, participants, and Himalayan Bank Limited for their support and committed to continuing these engagements in the future.
The successful conclusion of the 9th Edition of the Nepal-Pakistan Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament not only celebrated cricketing excellence but also reinforced the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Nepal and Pakistan through the universal language of sports.
