PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: The ICRC National Physical Disability Cricket Championship has officially kicked off in Peshawar, bringing together 16 regional teams from across the country to compete for the prestigious title.
Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Wisal Khan, inaugurated the national-level championship during a ceremony held at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, Peshawar, where he attended as a chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary General of the Pakistan Physical Disability Cricket Association, Amiruddin Ansari, briefed participants about the objectives of the championship. He said the event aims to provide equal sporting opportunities to players with physical disabilities, highlight their talent and offer them a platform to showcase their abilities at the national level.
He added that physical disability cricket has created valuable opportunities for specially-abled athletes across Pakistan, helping them demonstrate their sporting skills while boosting their confidence and morale.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities, including Star Marketing Chief Executive Officer and former international PD cricketer Sher Ali Afridi, Director Jafar Shah,Imran Khan Cricket Stadium,
Director Operations
Peshawar Jamshed Baloch, Chief Coach Shafqatullah and Ashfaq Khan.The Other notable attendees included Lahore Regional Head Javed Ashraf, Abbottabad Regional Head Raja Tahir, Peshawar Regional Head Sajid Khan, Pakistan Physical Disability Cricket Association Director Muhammad Nizam and Event Coordinator Nasrullah Khan.
The first phase of the championship is being held in Peshawar, featuring four teams: Peshawar, Lahore, Abbottabad and KP Stars. On the opening day, Peshawar will face Lahore in the first match, while Abbottabad will take on KP Stars in the second fixture.
The second phase will commence in Rawalpindi on November 8, featuring Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Rawalpindi. The third phase will be held in Bahawalpur, while the fourth and final phase will take place in Karachi, where the championship final will also be played.
Last year’s champions, Multan, will defend their title in this year’s competition. Exciting contests are expected as teams compete through different stages for a place in the final.
Addressing the ceremony, Director General Sports KP Wasim Khan said providing maximum sporting opportunities to players with physical disabilities was an important need of the time. He emphasized that national-level competitions not only highlight the abilities of these athletes but also promote inclusion, equality and a positive sporting culture in society.
The championship is expected to provide a valuable platform for specially-abled cricketers from across Pakistan to demonstrate their talent, while bringing the honour of hosting an important national sporting event to Peshawar.
