8th February, Saturday the Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu organized the Inaugural Ceremony of “10th Edition of Pakistan-Nepal Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament-2025”. Respected guests included Honourable Ms Subarna Shrestha, Executive Board Member, National Sports Council, Nepal; Mr Chaturananda Baidhya, Vice President, Nepal Olympic Committee; Mr C.P Mainali, former Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr Binaya Raj Pandey, former President Cricket Association of Nepal, Mr Yubanath Lamsal, Former Ambassador of Nepal to Denmark, Dr Manju Ratna Shakya, Chairman Nepal-Pakistan Friendship and Cultural Association, and Mr Suman Pokharel, Deputy CEO, Global IME Bank Ltd. Besides friends of Pakistan from various walks of life and media also attended the event.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Ms. Subarna appreciated the Embassy’s initiative for successfully organizing the event every year. She highlighted the passion of sports especially cricket in bringing the youth of two countries together.
In his remarks, Ambassador Abrar H. Hashmi said that cricket is not just a sport, it also serves as a platform to bring people together and fosters spirit of camaraderie and teamwork. Ambassador wished the teams and thanked the distinguished guests for their support in organizing the event. He also appreciated the organising committee. Ambassador Hashmi also launched Nepal-Pakistan Youth Council on the occasion. Moreover, he welcomed the Pakistan Shooting Ball Team to the opening ceremony and congratulated them for being runner up of the Asian Shooting Ball Championship recently held in Kathmandu.
This year twelve club-level cricket teams are participating in the nine-day event. The tournament will culminate on 16th February 2025 with the final and closing event of trophy and awards distribution. The event will be streamed live on Nepalese sports channel “Action Sports” and social media platforms.
