Wapda T-12 Schools Cricket Tournament begins

Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) T-12 School Cricket Tournament began here Tuesday at Wapda Sports Complex under the aegis of Wapda Sports Board (WSB). Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Shaharyar M. Khan was the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony.
Wapda Chairman and WSB Patron-in-Chief Zafar Mahmood, Secretary Wapda and WSB President Amer Ahmad, Wapda Member (Power) Badr-ul-Munir Murtiza, Managing Director (Administration), Muhammad Ashraf Khan, renowned cricketers Shafqat Rana, Shafique Papa, Agha Zahid and Mushtaq Ahmed were also present on the occasion. In his address, Wapda Chairman said that Wapda has introduced a new format T-12 Cricket under its Corporate Social Responsibility to improve standard of fielding in Pakistani cricket, adding that WAPDA T-12 Schools Tournament being, played under modified rules, is a part of this initiative. Apprising the PCB Chairman of Wapda's achievements in sports, he said that WAPDA has 58 teams in all - 35 men and 23 women. At present, Wapda is champion in 27 sports and runners-up in 19 disciplines, he added.
Wapda Chairman also dilated upon the two other initiatives of Wapda in sports namely 'Focus on Fielding and Fitness' to improve fielding skills in emerging cricketers and 'WAPDA Colts' to promote athletics in Pakistan. Later, PCB Chairman Shaharyar M. Khan congratulated Wapda on organizing T-12 tournament. He expressed the hope that such initiatives will go a long way to improve fielding in cricket of the country. He said that he is impressed by Wapda achievements in sports.
Commending Wapda's efforts for promotion of sports in the country, he hoped that Wapda will soon form its women cricket team. This will not only encourage women to participate in cricket but also add popularity to this game in Pakistan, he added.
PCB Chairman and Wapda Chairman also unveiled the trophy of Wapda T-112 Schools Cricket Tournament It is pertinent to mention that eight teams belonging to Lahore-based schools are participating in the tournament. In the opening match, Crescent School defeated the Saint Anthony's School by 10 wickets while chasing a target of 117 runs.