PM Nawaz announces Rs10mil for each player of CT17 winning team
Premier congratulated the Sarfraz XI for their terrific performance
(Web Desk/AFP) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has announced a hefty Rs 1 crore reward for each player of the winning Pakistan cricket team in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and Heritage stated skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has made the whole nation proud, adding that the team outperformed in all department of batting, bowling and fielding. "Encouraging young players proved beneficial," she added. Also, she said that the Sarfraz XI had deserved this recognition.
Pakistan defeated India in the much-awaited CT17 final by 180 runs. Men, women and children packed Karachi airport as Sarfraz returned from England, where Pakistan thrashed arch-rivals India to be crowned surprise winners.
Sarfraz held up the trophy to loud cheers and chants of "Long live Sarfraz!" as a police band played patriotic songs nearby.
"(We won) thanks to Allah and the prayers of the whole nation," Ahmed said in brief comments as he jostled his way through the crowd of well-wishers.
PHOTO: How Sarfraz Ahmed was welcomed at his residence by thousands of fans
The win has been a long overdue boost after a several years of poor results, particularly in the limited-overs formats.
Sarfraz was showered with bouquets and given a traditional skull cap and an ajrak shawl, which is usually presented as a mark of honour.
Senior local officials also turned up to greet the captain before he was whisked away under escort by police commandos along with team-mate Rumman Raees.
The celebrations did not end once he reached his residential block in central Karachi, adorned with colourful lights and Pakistan flags, where fans climbed on rooftops and balconies to watch him return.
PHOTO: Hasan Ali, Ahmed Shehzad and Babar Azam welcomed at Lahore airport
Sarfraz came out on the balcony with the trophy and showed it off to fans, waving and making the victory sign with two fingers as the crowds outside threw rose petals.
"First of all I would like to thank God, I think this is a big victory for the whole Pakistani public," he told reporters."
The Pakistan team enjoyed a remarkable turnaround after widespread criticism followed a 124-run drubbing by India in the opening group match.
Pakistan went on to outplay hosts and trophy favourites England in an eight-wicket semi-final win before their epic final triumph against the Indians.
"All the boys worked very hard, after losing that first match, the way the boys made the comeback is remarkable," said Sarfraz.
Pundits have credited the Pakistan Super League -- the country s Twenty20 franchise tournament, for unearthing new talent such as explosive opener Fakhar Zaman and man of the tournament Hasan Ali.
"This was a young team," Sarfraz said. "Nine boys were playing an ICC event for the first time and four to five boys were in the team for the first time, so I think it is a very good sign for the youngsters.
"Fakhar Zaman, Rumman Raees, Shadab Khan, Fahim Ashraf -- all new boys and it is very good sign for Pakistan cricket the way Hasan Ali played," he continued. "This was the whole team s effort."
Then he sang a victory jingle about Pakistan s breathtaking win and prompted the crowd with chants of "Long live Pakistan" before finally retiring back inside.