President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi held a wonderful 55-minute meeting with Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket teams at President House on Thursday evening.

Besides both team members, officials, Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Minister Dr Fehmida Mirza, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani, CEO Wasim Gulzar Khan, Zakir Khan, Salman Naseer, team manger Raza Rashid and others were also present on the occasion.

President Dr Alvi welcomed both teams and termed restoration of international cricket in Pakistan a good omen. He backed both teams to display quality game for the spirit of the game and wish them best of the luck for the first Test starting Friday (Feb 7) at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

He hoped that both team will not only display quality cricket but also help further cement relations between the two brotherly countries.

“I am also a diehard cricket lover and loved to play cricket a great deal.”

He informed visiting delegation that in Pakistan, cricketer enjoy heroes status. “Pakistan is a very beautiful country and we are known for our hospitality and Bangladesh team will enjoy their stay in Pakistan and will take very fond memories with them.”

The writer is a freelance journalist.