PM Imran Khan thanks Ehsan Mani for 'contribution to cricket'

"I especially appreciate his setting up a regional domestic cricket structure in Pakistan."

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Saturday thanked Ehsan Mani for his contribution to cricket in Pakistan during his 3-year tenure as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman.

"I especially appreciate his setting up, for the first time, a regional domestic cricket structure in Pakistan and his role in bringing back international cricket teams to Pakistan," he tweeted.

Want to thank Ehsan Mani for his contribution to cricket in Pak during his 3 yr tenure as Chairman PCB. I especially appreciate his setting up, for the first time, a regional domestic cricket structure in Pak & his role in bringing back international cricket teams to Pakistan.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 28, 2021

Earlier, PM Imran Khan approved a framework for promotion of School Cricket in particular and Domestic Cricket in general, advising the Central Punjab Cricket Association for implementing the model in its entirety.

The prime minister took a presentation on Domestic Cricket in Pakistan, with a special focus on School Cricket. The presentation was made by the Chairman of Central Punjab Cricket Association (CPCA), Abdullah Khan Sumbal.

The prime minister appreciated the model developed by CPCA, an organization that works under the Pakistan Cricket Board, and called for its replication all over Pakistan strategically.

He asserted his total support to the School Cricket Championship beginning in Central Punjab from September 15 and stated that School Cricket had immense potential to generate and groom real cricketing talent.

"Pleased to review efforts of Punjab for revival of school cricket, especially role of Central Punjab Cricket Association," he said in a tweet.

"870 schools and 231 college grounds, 355 sports facilities developed across Punjab. I urge all provinces to focus on reviving sports & providing sports facilities for our youth," he added.

Pleased to review efforts of Punjab for revival of school cricket, esp role of Cent Punjab Cricket Assoc. 870 schools & 231 college grounds, 355 sports facilities developed across Punjab. I urge all provinces to focus on reviving sports & providing sports facilities for our youth

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 28, 2021

The Chief Secretary Punjab highlighted the significant role of the Punjab Government in this major initiative.

The meeting was also attended by Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination Dr Fehmida Mirza, Special Assistant to PM Dr Shahbaz Gill, CEO PCB Wasim Khan and CEO CPCA Khurram Niazi.