PM Pakistan hosts dinner for Pakistan, England teams

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted the Pakistan and England Test teams for dinner in Islamabad.

After England won the first Test of a three-match series against Pakistan, both teams were invited to dinner at the PM's residence.

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja, along with Rob Key, the managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and team players were present at the event.

During his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated the England team on their victory and thanked them for touring Pakistan again.

"Congratulations! England played very well in this Test match, and they deserve this victory," he said. 

"I believe in this Pakistan team. I am confident that my team will bounce back in Multan," he added. 

PM Shehbaz expressed his gratitude towards Ben Stokes, who was unavailable from the dinner, for his donation to flood-affected families.

"Ben Stokes is not here, but I would like to thank him for his contribution towards helping flood-hit people in Pakistan," he said. 

"England and its people have always helped Pakistan. His donation will be really helpful for the people here," he concluded. 

Stokes announced shortly after his arrival in Pakistan that he will donate his match fees for all three Tests to flood-affected families in Pakistan.

The England cricket team returned to Pakistan this year for a Test match. Previously, they had competed in seven T20Is in Karachi and Lahore, which the England team won 4-3.

The two sides will take on each other in the second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium from 9-13 December.

📸 Dinner hosted for the Pakistan and England teams at the PM House in Islamabad#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/nTXeCn6DB3

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 5, 2022