Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has declared hefty prize money for Babar Azam's brigade if they win the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 title. As per the announcement each Pakistani player will be awarded $100,000, about Rs. 2.7 Crore in Pakistani currency should the Men in Green secure lift the T20 World Cup 2024 trophy.
The announcement came as Naqvi arrived at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where the national camp, led by Babar Azam, commenced on Saturday. During his visit, Naqvi met with both players and officials, a statement on the social media platform X by the PCB confirmed.
“The PCB chairman stayed with the players for two hours,” the board said.
The PCB chief instilled confidence in the players by telling them to focus on playing without pressure and competing with a winning spirit.
“The victory will be for you and the defeat will be for me. Don’t care about anyone. Only play for Pakistan. Demonstrate teamwork on the field [and] God willing, victory will be yours,” Mohsin Naqvi added.
“The country has a lot of expectations from you. You have to fulfil them,” he told the players.
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Naqvi also mentioned that the team was cohesive and expressed his hope that fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi would put forth an exceptional performance in the tournament.
“The country has a lot of expectations from you. You have to fulfil them,” he told the players.
PCB chief met with the national team during his visit. He presented special commemorative shirts to players who achieved significant milestones. Wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan received a shirt for surpassing 3,000 T20 runs, while young pacer Naseem Shah was recognized for taking 100 wickets in the same format.
Later that day, chairman Naqvi hosted the players and officials for a lunch at a local hotel, fostering team spirit. The Pakistan squad, also known as the "Green Shirts," is gearing up for upcoming T20 tours to Ireland and England later this month. These matches will serve as crucial preparation for the marquee ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for June 1 to 29 in the United States and West Indies.
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