Islamabad, April 27, 2024 – Top US diplomats including Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Andrew Schofer, gathered at Kinnaird College cricket grounds in Lahore on Saturday to unveil the countdown clock for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, set to take place in the West Indies and the USA.
The event, which marks just five weeks until the start of the World Cup, also celebrated the arrival of the prestigious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy in Lahore. The trophy will be showcased at the Gaddafi Stadium during the T20 International match between Pakistan and New Zealand later in the evening.
Schofer was joined by US Consuls General Kristin Hawkins from Lahore, Conrad Tribble from Karachi, and Shante Moore from Peshawar. The unveiling ceremony was hosted at the invitation of Dr. Rukhsana David, Principal of Kinnaird College for Women University (KCWU), and was sponsored by the Lodhran Pilot Project (LPP), led by CEO Ali Khan Tareen.
Highlighting the enthusiasm of Pakistani cricket fans, the diplomats, alongside a spirited crowd of young female cricketers from Southern Punjab and faculty members from KCWU, initiated the countdown. DCM Schofer and Consul General Hawkins had the honor of pressing the button to reveal the countdown clock, symbolizing the official commencement of the World Cup’s final preparation phase.
The event was not just a ceremonial gesture but also featured an exhibition cricket match. US diplomats took to the field against a team of young girls managed by Ali Khan Tareen, reflecting the vibrant future of women’s cricket in Pakistan. Notably, Consul General Tribble showcased an impressive display of power-hitting, a skill he jokingly attributed to his baseball days.
In his address, DCM Schofer expressed the US Mission’s enthusiasm for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. “We are excited not only about the games but about introducing more Americans to the rich tradition of cricket,” he remarked. Schofer praised the collaboration between KCWU, the LPP, and the US Mission in Pakistan, which focuses on empowering young women through sports.
The involvement of US diplomats in the event underscores a deeper bilateral engagement with Pakistan, particularly in promoting sports and educational opportunities. It also reflects the broader US interest in the cultural aspects of the countries where its diplomatic missions operate.
Schofer also took the opportunity to commend the young athletes and the organizers for their dedication to the sport and for fostering a positive environment for women’s cricket in Pakistan. He shared his appreciation for learning more about cricket fundamentals, a sentiment that highlights the cultural exchange intrinsic to such international events.
The countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is now officially underway, with Saturday’s event serving as a bridge between nations through the universal language of sports. As the clock ticks down, anticipation builds not only among the cricket aficionados but also newcomers to the sport, showcasing cricket’s ability to unite diverse global audiences.
