Paktika governor dedicates cricket pitch in Sharana

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan — The provincial governor and several other provincial leaders officially opened Paktika Province’s newest cricket pitch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in a local park in Sharana July 14.

The pitch was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development and is believed to be the first coalition force-funded pitch in the country to reach operational status.

The completion of the pitch fills a much-needed void in the province, said provincial governor Moheebullah Samim.

About 200 Paktika citizens witnessed the ceremony and ensuing exhibition match in the Sharana City Park.

“I’m very happy that we have this new cricket facility in our province here in Sharana,” said Samim. “From what I know, we have talented teams here in Paktika, and in order for improvements to be made, good facilities are necessary. I am faithful that with improved facilities and equipment, we can be competitive in cricket with any province in Afghanistan.”

“I really appreciate this cricket pitch we have received today,” said Sharana team captain Saitullah. “With this pitch, we now have a dedicated space to practice and play our games. We have been promised things like this in the past, so to see this promise come true, it’s outstanding.”

As part of the festivities, dozens of donated cricket sets were presented to the governor and the provincial director of sport to be handed out to various club teams throughout the province.

The pitch is the first of several recreational projects in the planning stages that will benefit the people, said the governor.

“Even though this facility is great, it isn’t enough,” said Samim. “I have plans for other things to help this province. We want the people of Paktika to be happy. This field will be used by the citizens of Paktika Province to have fun and enjoy themselves.”