Two more cricketers accorded rousing welcome on homecoming

LAHORE: Two more players of the victorious Pakistan cricket team were treated to a rousing welcome on their return home on early Wednesday morning after Pakistan’s historic win against arch-rivals India in the Champions Trophy final, ARY News reported.

All-rounder Muhammad Hafeez landed at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore where a large number of cricket lovers and family members accorded him a warm welcome amid chanting of Pakistan Zindabad slogans.

He shortly left for home where his immediate family members waited eagerly to welcome their champion. As soon as he alighted from his SUV, his relatives garlanded him and showered him with rose petals.

Speaking to media outside his home, Hafeez thanked Almighty Allah for the big win against India. He said every member of the national team played well and it was because of their collective efforts that they thrashed the arch-rivals and won the ICC Champions Trophy title.

He was equally grateful for the nation for praying for Pakistan’s win against India.

The all-rounder commended his team mates, especially Captain Sarfraz Ahmed’s role in leading the team to such a big win and said, “All boys played beyond expectations. New players played very well.”

Meanwhile, pacer Junaid Khan arrived at the Benazir International Airport, Islamabad where his relatives and cricket fans welcomed him with bouquets.

Captain Sarfraz Ahmed, and other team members – Rumman Raees, Babar Azam, Hassan Ali, Ahmed Shahzad, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan and Imad Waseem – had returned home yesterday. They were accorded warm welcome on their arrival at the airports where hundreds of cricket enthusiasts had turned up to welcome their champions.