F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: The 24th edition of the Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Gold Cricket Cup got under way here at Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Nazim Arbab Muhammad Asif was the chief guest on this occasion who formally inaugurated the Cup in a colourful opening ceremony. Former Member of the Provincial Assembly Dr. Zakir Shah, founder of the Cup and Secretary General of the AIPs Asian Amjad Aziz Malik, President Peshawar District Cricket Association Asghar Ali, Secretary General Syed Hanif Shah, cricketers and spectators were also present.
Speaking on this occasion, Arbab Muhammad Asim lauded the organizing committee for regularly holding the event since 1988. It is very big contribution toward promotion cricketing activities in the province as teams from various tribal agencies and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are taking part.
He said through the event many players were facilitated with competitive exposure. He also expressed his satisfaction over the participation of top teams comprising national and international cricketers. Arbab Muhammad Asim urged upon the organizers to extend full facilities to the players during the matches in different tribal agencies like Mohmand Agency, Bajaur Agency and Khyber Agency and various grounds comprising Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium and Gymkhana.
Former MPA Dr. Zakir Shah on this occasion informed the gathering that the Cup is carrying a handsome prize money of Rs. 0.3 million for the winners and Rs. 0.2 million for the runners-up besides awarding attractive trophies to the best batsman, best bowler, best wicket-keeper, best fielder.
He disclosed that the first match between Bajaur and Mohmand Agency played at Bajaur Agency Cricket ground, followed by matches of the other teams hailing from FATA. He said the second round in which teams from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is being played simultaneously on Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium and Gymkhana ground. On this occasion, Secretary General AIPs Asia Amjad Aziz Malik awarded shield to Nazim Peshawar Arbab Muhammad Asim, Ex-MPA Dr. Zakir and office-bearers of Peshawar District Cricket Association.
Earlier, the matches played at Mohmand Agency skipper Rehman Ullah won the toss and in the allotted 30 overs scored 227 runs on the loss of eight wickets, Roman scored 62 runs with four boundaries, Fazal (46), Ikram (43), Zubair (41) were the high runs takers. For Bajaur Agency Ishaq claimed three wickets, Saleem got two wickets and Arshad and Atta Ur Rehman got one wicket.
In reply, Bajaur Agency chased the target for the loss of nine wickets in the 30 overs. For Bajaur Agency Salman scored not out 45, Aftab (38), Dawood (29) and Burhan (17) were the key contributors. For Mohmand Agency Umair, Munir got three wickets each, Rehman got two wickets. Roman was declared Man of the Match.
