LAHORE: Pakistan marked a historic milestone here on Friday as Blind T20 World Cup kicks off with grand opening ceremony.p>
During the event, the trophy was unveiled by the Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar.
He also presented a cheque of Rs20 million to chairman of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), Syed Sultan Shah on behalf of the Punjab government.p>
Secretary Sports Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial, Director General Sports Punjab Khizar Afzaal Chaudhry, Chairman PBCC Syed Sultan Shah, Director Admin Dr M Kaleem, blind cricket teams, executives and officials from hosts Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and South Africa were in attendance yesterday. p>
The night featured the Austrian singer Adriana Galani enchanting the audience with melodious Urdu songs. p>
In addition, folk artists performed traditional dance representing all provinces of Pakistan. p>
The tournament is set to kick off with the hosts facing South Africa in the inaugural match later today. p>
It must be noted here that since India withdrew from the event, Bangladesh will get a walkover in the second match of the tournament.p>
The tournament will commence with some matches taking place at the Lahore’s Ghani Institute Cricket Ground until November 29. p>
Later on, the second phase will take place at the Multan Cricket Stadium.