WATCH: Peshawar Zalmi contingent meets PM Imran in Islamabad

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The Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi's Chairman Javed Afridi, Captain Darren Sammy, Batting Mentor Hashim Amla and Head Coach Mohammad Akram met Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Wednesday.

On this occasion, PM Imran congratulated Sammy on receiving the honorary citizenship of Pakistan.

"I congratulate you on receiving honorary citizenship of Pakistan," said Imran. "Your services with regards to return of cricket in Pakistan will forever be remembered."

The Pakistan government had, earlier, decided to confer honorary citizenship on Sammy for his “invaluable contribution” towards the return of top-flight cricket to the country, its cricket board said.

پشاور زلمی چیرمین جاوید آفریدی، کپتان ڈیرن سیمی کی وزیر اعظم عمران خان سے ملاقات

ملاقات میں پشاور زلمی کے ہیڈکوچ محمد اکرم، بیٹنگ مینٹور ہاشم آملہ موجود تھے
1/4 pic.twitter.com/86KmPym036

— Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) March 4, 2020

While the international cricket community stayed away from travelling to Pakistan following the attack, Sammy has been a regular member of the Peshawar Zalmi side in the Pakistan Super League since its start in 2016.

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The 36-year-old St Lucian captained the franchise to the PSL title in the second edition in 2017 and often advocated for the return of international cricket to the country. The veteran all-rounder was honoured to meet the Prime Minister.

“It was an honor meeting the great cricket legend and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan today,” said Sammy.

 

It was an honor meeting the great cricket legend and Prime Minister of Pakistan @imrankhan.pti today. https://t.co/nyetDeN5fH pic.twitter.com/5rX5FAe8ZY

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) March 4, 2020

 

The premier was also happy to see entire HBL PSL take place in Pakistan this year.  

"It's great to see entire PSL taking place in Pakistan. The stadiums are filled up which sends a positive image of the country to the international community," he said.

PM Imran also lauded the role played by Zalmi and team owner Afridi in revival of international cricket in Pakistan.