Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said al-Malki has said that Pakistani Cricket Team will be the royal guest for Hajj next year if they win the T20 World Cup 2024 this year.
He made a heartfelt announcement in a video released on the social media platform, X. In a video message, he said that he is hopeful Pakistan would win the World Cup and that they must win it.
Saudi Ambassador further said that he is praying for the victory of Pakistan. He also prays for the prosperity and stability of Pakistan.
The announcement by the Saudi Ambassador for Pakistan Cricket Team is a symbol of deepening cricket diplomacy between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. It might also encourage the Pakistan Cricket Team to play well and win the World Cup.
Pakistan Cricket Team is currently in the USA as they will kick start their campaign with the match against Canada. Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and India are in the same group.
Last month, US Ambassador in Pakistan hosted the Pakistan Cricket Team ahead of the T20 World Cup to be held in the USA and West Indies this year.
US ambassador to Pakistan Donald Bloom held a meet-and-greet session with the Pakistan Cricket Team in Islamabad to express support for the team ahead of the World Cup. The West Indies and the USA will co-host the event in June.
https://x.com/indyurdu/status/1797236755541713192
The ambassador welcomed the Pakistan Cricket Team and Chairman Mohsin Naqvi at his residence.
Read more: US Ambassador Donald Bloom invites Pakistan Cricket Team
“In dual gestures of sports diplomacy, Ambassador Blome presented the team members with a commemorative embassy cricket ball and autographed softball bat,” the US embassy said.
“The Pakistani team reciprocated by presenting the Ambassador with a signed cricket bat and team jersey,” the statement read further.
The ambassador later played cricket with the cricketers. Both Pakistan and US teams are in the same group and are slated to play on June 6th, 2024. Meanwhile, India and Pakistan are expected to play each other on June 9th, 2024.