By Muhammad Naeem Khan Niazi
LAHORE, Oct 29 (APP): The visiting English, Sri Lankan and Pakistani cricketers were taken on an immersive experience of discovering centuries-old secrets of historic Lahore as the PCB arranged a night tour of the Walled City on Wednesday night.
The foreign cricketers and coaching staff including Sri Lankan diplomats were taken on a guided tour and shown around the Alamgiri Gate, Badshahi Mosque, Hazoori Bagh, Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum, Sheesh Mahal, Largest Picture Wall, Royal Kitchen, Barood Khana and the 16th century Lahore Fort under the enchanting night sky.
The Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA) has restored the centuries-old architectural heritage sites into living monuments which transport the visitors into the times of the emperors and queens and meeting emperor Akbar in the court.
The visiting guests were accorded a royal welcome at the Fort while the doormen dressed in Mughal era costumes welcomed the guests at the ‘Diwan e Khas’ (Hall of Private Audiences) – a place where the Mughal emperors received state guests and courtiers.
The foreign players were delighted to be driven by Rangeela Rickshaw (designed on the pattern of famous Pakistani truck art) to different parts of the Lahore Fort while they were mesmerised by the performance on the traditional drum (dhol).
Awed by the historicity and grandeur of the Lahore Fort, the visiting cricketers and match officials termed the visit a memorable one and, adding that they will treasure the memories from one of the UNESCO heritage sites.
“Sweet memories from our sojourn in Lahore will remain etched in our memory attic,” one cricketer said.
Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi, in his welcome note, said that Pakistan is a peaceful and secure country, and the nation has deep love for the game of cricket.
The PCB chairman hosted a dinner to the visiting cricket teams, team officials, match officials, diplomats and PCB officials. Former PCB Chairmen Ramiz Raja and Zaka Ashraf were also invited.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
