KARACHI: Foreign players who came to Pakistan to play Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017 final match are extremely delighted over Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa’s calling them ‘national heroes’.
The Army chief on Saturday welcomed PSL 2017 champions Peshawar Zalmi at the General Headquarters, and congratulated the team and their management on their performance and success.
Scroll down to watch Samuels’ video message
He appreciated the PSL management for bringing cricket to the homeland.
This should be noted that some foreign players were afraid of coming to Pakistan for the mega cricket event for fear of security.
Peshawar Zalmi skipper Darren Sammy in reply wrote on his social media that “We did (it) because we (Peshawar Zalmi) are a family.”
Another foreign PSL player Dawid Malan said he was honoured on getting such a fantastic gesture by the chief of Army staff of Pakistan. “They (Pak Army) did an amazing job for the PSL final and bringing cricket back.”
Honoured to be given such a fantastic gesture by the COAS of Pakistan.They did an amazing job for the PSL final and bringing cricket back 🏏 pic.twitter.com/pLdmAzgrWO
— dawid malan (@dmalan29) March 11, 2017
Marlon Samuels’ response to the Army chief’s honoring PSL champions was the most amazing. He poured his heart out and expressed his wish to join Pakistan Army. The West Indian cricketer from Jamaica said he came to Pakistan for he was a brave soldier.
In Samuels’ video messages, shared by Javed Afridi, owner of Peshawar Zalmi, he said he was a Pakistani at heart.
“It is a privilege and honor for having Pakistan Army’s general’s acknowledgment. For me, it is more than just coming to Pakistan to play the cricket game,” he said.
Read More: Army Chief appreciates PSL for bringing cricket to Pakistan
“Its significance is beyond the success of the team and (putting) smile on faces of people. I want to take this opportunity to thank Pakistan Army. The way they did (their job). Security was a top class. There could not be a better security system.”
@MarlonSamuels7 Salute from the Whole Nation for such a marvellous words. You are the campions of the hearts.Special message to the Army 1/2 pic.twitter.com/8ppPIqG9ml
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) March 11, 2017
“I cannot have better words for the team that after coming to Dubai and going to Pakistan, we are Pakistani and they are all my friends. So I am a Pakistani in my heart. It did not take much to me to decide to come to Pakistan, because I am a brave soldier. And I salute you general.”
He said security was such remarkable that he had a lovely sleep in the night.
Samuels said cricket should forthwith come back to Pakistan. He said he would promote cricket in Pakistan till his death.
Wearing a broad smile on his face, he said he would not mind coming back to Pakistan if he was going to get a metallic badge on his shoulder.
“Whenever you will call me to let me be a part of your Army I am ready. Because back in Jamaica I am a soldier,” he grinned.
We Pakistani’s will never forget your sacrifices ,ur golden words are a message for the world that we r peace loving nation n we love Crickt pic.twitter.com/rxYtjfZIMC
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) March 11, 2017
“I wish that more international cricket comes to Pakistan. God bless. I will see you soon because I am definitely coming back to Pakistan. Love and respect. Honoured.”
PSL CHAMPIONS 2017 🏆🥇 what a few weeks its been with these guys. One in all in. 🏏 #PSLFinalLahore #peshawarzalmi #champions #overseas pic.twitter.com/hMOSK85dWG
— dawid malan (@dmalan29) March 5, 2017
