Australian Prime Minister hosts Pakistan cricket team on New Year’s Day

SYDNEY (Agencies): The Pakistan cricket squad, captained by Shan Masood, and their Australian counterparts, led by Pat Cummins, were graciously hosted by the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, at his official residence, Kirribilli House in Sydney, on New Year’s Day. Albanese, along with Masood and Cummins, engaged in an official photo session, capturing the moment of camaraderie. The event was attended not only by the players from both teams but also by key figures in the cricket administration. Zaka Ashraf, the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Management Committee, and Salman Naseer, the Chief Operating Officer, were active participants in the ceremony.  Furthermore, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Australia, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, and representatives from Cricket Australia were also in attendance. Australian Prime Minister Albanese extended a warm welcome to both teams and commended the Pakistan team’s performance, particularly in the Melbourne Test. He praised the exemplary conduct displayed by the Pakistan cricket team throughout the tour and expressed optimism about witnessing high-quality cricket in the upcoming Sydney Test. Shan Masood, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, conveyed gratitude to the Australian Prime Minister for the invitation. He emphasized the positive style of cricket played by both teams in the series and expressed hope for a strong showing by the Pakistan cricket team in the Sydney Test.