In 2014, Ahsen Rizvi played first-class cricket in Pakistani capital Islamabad. Since then he has been sidelined by Muslim guest players.
However, the 30-year-old Catholic made history by lifting the first Christian-centered Harmony Cricket League (HCL) cup this week in neighboring Rawalpindi city.
Rizvi captained St. Thomas Tigers to victory over Fatima Disciples by seven wickets to win the final of HCL 2021 titled "Strengthening and connecting communities together" on July 12.
Church groups including the Catholic Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi partnered Zalmi Foundation and the federal and Punjab governments in organizing the league that began on July 10 at St. Mary's Academy Ground. Other participating teams included Salvation Army Soldiers, St. Stephen Titaniums and the Church of Pakistan.
"This is one of the proudest moments of my career spanning 15 years," Rizvi told UCA News after lifting the trophy.
Zalmi Foundation, a non-profit organization associated with Peshawar Zalmi -- a Pakistani franchise T20 cricket team -- announced the victory in a tweet after the final.
It's an opportunity to mainstream our players in the national team. This idea will promote interfaith harmony in society
"Shehryar Afridi [chairman of the parliamentary committee on Kashmir] appreciated the efforts of Zalmi Foundation to organize #HCL2021 to promote interfaith harmony and encouraged the young players at the closing ceremony. #BringingBackSmiles," stated the foundation that planned the event.
Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi and the former moderator of the Church of Pakistan, Bishop Samuel Azariah of Raiwind, joined Afridi in distributing medals and trophies among the players.
"It's a great initiative to bring Christian youth together from different sections of life. It's an opportunity to mainstream our players in the national team. This idea will promote interfaith harmony in society," Archbishop Arshad said.
Cardinal Joseph Coutts joined Punjab Sports Minister Rai Taimoor Bhatti and the bishops in inaugurating the tournament. "Harmony is actually the need of time. Thanks to our government for taking practical steps beyond conferences," the cardinal said, pointing at the league banner.
Source: UCA News 0 COMMENTS
