STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD: The British High Commission (BHC) defeated Chevening Alumni Association (CAA) by 6 wickets in a friendly match here on Saturday to celebrate the return of the England Men’s Test cricket team to Pakistan.
Inspired by the ongoing England vs Pakistan cricket series and a revival in sports diplomacy, the BHC Staff and former Chevening scholars went for a limited-over and mixed-gender match of bat and ball at Shalimar Cricket Ground.
Batting first the Chevening side scored 134 runs in the allocated overs. The BHC team successfully chased down the target and won the match by 6 wickets.
Cricket greats and civil servants enjoy game
Former Cricket Captain Majid Khan, Inspector General of Police, Islamabad Akbar Nasir Khan, DC Islamabad, Irfan Memon, senior journalists, civil society members, and civil servants enjoyed the game.
Talking on the occasion the British Deputy High Commissioner, Andrew Dalgleish, said that it was great to watch Chevening Alumni at today’s cricket match and women’s participation. He added that Sport has an exceptional way of bringing people together and plays a key role in progressing gender equality by opening up new opportunities and revealing talent.
On Chevening Scholarships, he said that educated women leaders are essential to resolve the intimidating economic, social, and environmental challenges the world faces these days, adding that the UK will encourage more women to apply for Chevening Scholarships in the future.
He further said that he believed the Chevening Alumni, he met here and those of the future will play a key role in transforming Pakistan’s future as leaders, opinion makers, and policymakers.
This year, while marking the 75-year anniversary of UK-Pakistan relations, the UK is awarding 75 Chevening scholarships. As applications for 2023/2024 Chevening Scholarships are now closed, applications for 2024/25 scholarships will be opened in August 2023.
All those wishing to study for a master’s degree in the UK and have an undergraduate degree, are encouraged to apply, especially women and individuals with disabilities.
During the past few years, the UK has successfully raised the number of women winning Chevening scholarships from 6 percent to 60 percent with more focus on students with disabilities.
