Cricket has always been the game of choice for the people of Pakistan. However, for the last few years, international cricket hasn't returned to the grounds of Pakistan due to unavoidable security concerns. Although security situation is improving and of late, Zimbabwe has announced to send its team during the current month of May.

Sports is part of army's culture and Pakistan Army has always been playing significant role in promotion of different games in the country. Pakistan Army hosted British Army Cricket Team during 2012 and a three match series was played. On the similar lines, it was decided to invite Australian Army Cricket Team to Pakistan. This series materialized after the invitation of Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif to his Australian counterpart and concerted efforts of Pakistan's High Commission in Australia, Australian High Commission in Pakistan and Army Sports Directorate. “This series between Pakistan and Australia was like the much needed rain on drought-hit Pakistan cricket fields. The timings of the series couldn’t be better than this. Pakistan Army team’s performance made it a special prize for our general public in the otherwise gloomy cricket environment of the country. I feel that the joy of children on the final T20 match was priceless and an asset for all of us,” said Brig Ghulam Jilani, the Director of Army Sports Directorate. Australian Army Team arrived in Pakistan on April 20, 2015. It was a short series comprising three matches (a one day and two T20s) and was played during the month of April. It was a step which was welcomed by people of Pakistan who are anxiously waiting for return of international cricket in Pakistan.

“The entire country was pleased when the operation against militancy began not just in Waziristan but throughout the country against militant hideouts. Pakistan Army is playing a very positive and professional role. Pakistan Army is known for its contributions towards international peace and its significant role in UN peacekeeping missions. A safer Pakistan would be the driving factor behind revival of international cricket in this country”, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Heyward, the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, commented while watching the final T20 match. On Thursday, April 23, 2015, the first T20 match was played at the Army Cricket Ground, Rawalpindi. In a well attended game, players of both teams displayed good cricketing skills and entertained the audience with the taste of long awaited

international cricket in literal sense if not classical. After having won the toss, Pakistan Army managed to score 199 runs in 20 overs, that was enough to put up a fight and win the match. After amassing a handsome total, the hosts bowled and fielded well to restrict Australians to 122 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. At the end of match, both captains shook hands and greeted each other for good fixture. The all-round performance of Sepoy Shahid Khan won him the Man-of-the-Match award.

The Pakistan Army team started training well in time, as soon as they heard about Australian Army team’s arrival. “We had our training session of 3 hours in the morning where we underwent various fielding practice exercises and in the evening we carried 2 hours bowling and batting practice,” explained Maj Rizwan Bashir, the team captain of Pakistan Army. Under the shadow of beautiful Maragalla hills lies beautiful Murghazar Cricket Ground, that was venue of the only one day match played between both teams on April 24, 2015. Batting first, Australian team scored 234 runs for the loss of six wickets in deputed 50 overs. In reply to this, Pakistani team

successfully chased the target in 29.5 overs with six wickets remaining and won the match. A day long match in the scenic beauty of Maragalla was enjoyed by the spectators, who are desperate to watch international cricket back in Pakistan. Sepoy Shafiq was declared Man-of-the-Match whereas Nicholas Death was declared best batsman of the match.

April 25 was the last day of this short series when the second and final T20 was played in Army Cricket Ground, Rawalpindi. The guest team, batting first was bowled out for 133 runs in 19.5 overs. Christopher Schulz was the highest scorer for Australia. Pakistani team in return chased the target in 17.2 overs and won by seven wickets. The opening batsman of Pakistan Army, Maaz scored 58 runs whereas Australian captain, Sergeant Corey Baker and Craftsman Stewart Joshua took one wicket each.

Major Rizwan Bashir seemed utterly satisfied with his team’s performance. “Everything went as per the plan. Before the match began, we had taken a collective decision to contain the score under 140 runs and by the end of their innings, they had scored 133 runs. Thus a very good job done by bowlers especially the spinners who bowled exceptionally well,” said Maj Rizwan.

Since the March 2009 attack, our cricket-crazy fans had not witnessed any international cricket in the country. Thus they took to the Army cricket stadium, waving national flags. They even cheered for Australians as the gracious hosts. One could feel the energy and warmth as Australian team captain, Corey Baker walked into the audience and children ran after him for autographs. The DJ played different cricket related songs as the wickets fell and audience danced and did bhangra to the beat.

The Australian team found many admirers among the opponents and the host country. “There have been three games so far but I love the spirit with which the game is being played. We had a very good reception here”, said. Mr. Peter Heyward, the Australian High Commissioner. COAS was the chief guest of this final T20 match. He along with H.E. Peter Heyward, and Mr. Shehryar Khan, Chairman PCB, gave away trophies to the Pakistan and Australian Army cricket teams.

The event was a success and will help in bringing international cricket back to the grounds of Pakistan.

Quick Takes

with Covey Baker, Captain Australlian Army Cricket Team.
Q. Who is the best player of Australian team and what makes him the best?

Covey Baker: PTE Nicholas, a genuine all-rounder.
Q. What is the best thing about you as the team captain?

Covey Baker: Adaptability – can adjust when required.
Q. How was Pakistan cricket team’s performance?

Baker: Very good all round performance.
Q. Are you feeling secure in Pakistan?

Baker: We feel very safe as our hosts have taken strict measures to ensure our safety.
Q. What do you think is the importance of a sportsman?

Baker: Playing the game in the spirit of all those who have gone before.