ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier participating teams visited the Wagah Border on Wednesday at the invitation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Both Pakistani and foreign women cricketers witnessed the thrilling flag-lowering ceremony and were deeply moved by the passionate display of patriotism.
The visiting foreign players, match officials, and umpires thoroughly enjoyed the event. They joined the Pakistani players in chanting “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Jeeway Jeeway Pakistan.”
The Rangers’ spectacular parade received loud applause from the women cricketers, who also took pictures with the personnel of the Pakistan Rangers Punjab.
Foreign players particularly admired and enjoyed the precision and spirit of the Rangers’ performance. Many players took selfies and praised the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of the ceremony.
“This was a unique and unforgettable experience for us. The enthusiasm of the Rangers and the crowd was simply amazing,” said the foreign women cricketers.
Pakistan Rangers Punjab also presented souvenirs to the team captains of participating teams as a token of goodwill.
It is pertinent to mention that the six-team ICC event, which includes Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, and West Indies alongside hosts Pakistan, features a single-league round-robin format. The matches take place at the Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA ground in Lahore.
The tournament will decide the two qualifiers for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, which will be held later this year in India.
Pakistan team started the tournament well, winning three games and strengthening their chances of participating in the mega event. Green Shirts clinched victories against Scotland, Ireland, and the West Indies in a dominant display.
They will play Thailand tomorrow and the table-toppers Bangladesh on 19 April in a bid to qualify for the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup Qualifier.