Daily Times

LAHORE: The Vice Chancellor’s XI defeated the Old Ravians XI by five wickets in a festival cricket match played at the Government College University Lahore’s Oval Ground here on Friday. Former Pakistan cricket team captain Intikhab Alam was the chief guest at the festival match which was held under the auspices of the Old Ravians Union (ORU). The Old Ravians IX under the captaincy of Minister Higher Education Raja Yasir Humayun Sarfraz decided to bat first after winning the toss. They scored 129 runs in 12 overs. Former GC cricket team captain Shahab Bashrat scored a quick fire 55 runs off just 29 balls. His innings included four fours and three sixes. The Minister Higher Education started his innings with two quick fours but he was caught and bowled by former Test cricketer Manzoor Elahi. The Vice Chancellor’s XI raced home in the 12th over for the loss of five wickets. Batting maestro, GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi scored 39 runs in early overs which immensely helped his team winning the match.

Speaking on the occasion, Raja Yasir Humayun Sarfraz said that he had played from kookaburra cricket ball after many years, adding that sports activities were highly crucial for healthy mind. He said he had started inter university sports to promote healthy sports activities among students. He said playing for the Old Ravians as former alumni of the GCU was a big proud moment for him.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Asghar Zaidi expressed gratitude to the Old Ravians Union for organiaing a colorful match, saying that Old Ravians would bring in a tougher team next year. He said the GCU had been one of the finest sports nurseries for producing top sportsmen for the country’s national teams. He said this year he personally ensured sports admissions on merit so that GCU maintained its tradition of excellence in sports. ORU President Ashfaq Mohlan remembered many sportsmen who played cricket for the GCU and some of them later made it to the Test team of Pakistan. He also pledged to provide full support to the Vice Chancellor for promotion of healthy sports activities in the GCU.