KCR: General Comments 25/9 |
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| It is impossible to convey the friendliness and hospitality of our Pakistan hosts. We had certainly been warned that this would be the case, but the Pakistani people have gone the extra mile with regard to generosity - both in spirit and in kind. The hockey |
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team in particular have been the recipients of some extraordinary kindness.
The boys have been flattered by being accorded security normally reserved for visiting international teams and politicians. Not that there is any security issue - far from it - but as this is a first-ever tour from any school team outside the subcontinent, our hosts have gone out of their way to make it special.
The accommodation is in the National Cricket Academy. All meals are provided + laundry + gym + games room (the standard of snooker is improving..) + swimming pool. Rooms are en suite and have satellite television. These young men are truly blessed.
We owe the Pakistan Cricket Board and Hockey Federation a really good tour to reciprocate this outstanding hospitality.
Keith Richardson in Lahore
25 September 2006 |
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Wynberg on the Sub-Continent |
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| Earlier in the season Wynberg was approached by Bob Woolmer (the former SA and current Pakistan cricket coach) to send a cricket and hockey team to Pakistan during the latter part of September. |
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We are now on the brink of departure for Pakistan where we will be accommodated at the fully westernised Lahore Sports Complex - just a stone’s throw away from the 55,000-seater Gaddafi Cricket and Hockey Stadiums. It will be a great opportunity for our boys, who will be attending training camps during the two weeks – the team will also play matches against a number of top teams in Lahore. It will be amazing for the hockey side to play in front of very large crowds in such a well known stadium - here in South Africa the biggest crowd was approximately 3,000 people who attended the Grey High match in PE. Compared to the 55,000-seater stadium, this is just a drop in the ocean.
It has been a long wait for all the members of the touring party and we are all extremely excited.
In essence, it is a ‘development’ opportunity for the 2007 1st XI aspirants as the 2006 matrics, who were members of the 2006 1st XI, will be writing their final exams and they were not able to participate in this tour.
We, the lucky members of the touring party wish our matric teammates of the 2006 1st XI luck for their exams and all the best for their future endeavours.
Bradley Venter
13 September 2006 |
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Pakistan is passionate about its sport with cricket and hockey at the forefront of the country's sporting passions and is proud of its sporting facilities which must rate among the world's best.
The Pakistan Cricket Academy where the full tour group will be staying is superbly appointed, boasting 12 outdoor turf nets, five indoor nets, a swimming pool and a gymnasium. Managed by Mudasser Nazar, a Pakistan International, the Academy is a prized possession of the Pakistan Cricket Board.
The fully airconditioned accommodation is excellent, each room containing a fridge and kettle and firm, comfortable beds.
First class catering is on hand, with the chef available to fulfill any dietary requirements.
There are 2 food streets - the modern one providing Nando's, KFC, etc. and the famous Pakistan traditional cuisine street, a must for all to see, but not for the fainthearted with a heavy emphasis on chilies and curries!
Adapted from Bob Woolmer's message to the tour party. |
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