Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi has revealed that West Indies cricketer and the team skipper Darren Sammy could be in line to receive honorary citizenship of Pakistan owing to his contributions to the league in particular and bringing cricket back to the country in general.
“We have requested for the honorary citizenship of Pakistan for Daren Sammy. The application is currently at President’s table. I request the PCB chairman to put in a good word for Sammy, so it can be approved. Sammy’s voice notes were too emotional for Pakistan when PCB was trying to hold the PSL season 2 finale in Lahore,” Javed Afridi was quoted as saying by cricketpakistan.com.pk.
Following the news, Sammy has cleared that he doesn’t need a passport to love Pakistan.
For Sammy, it is enough to see people recognizing his efforts in bringing international cricket to Pakistan.
“For me, love is in the heart. It is an action and a feeling. For me whether I have a passport or not, I think my contribution to this country is all from within. I don’t need a passport to associate myself with this country. It is not just me but all of the guys that have come here and showed there support, be it the World XI or other teams, have played a massive role in bringing back international cricket to Pakistan,” Sammy told the media recently.
“It is good that my efforts have been recognized, but for me the love and affection I get from the people is everything,” he added.
The all-rounder from St. Lucia is also looking forward to the 5th edition of the PSL which started on Friday.
“Obviously we all know that two years ago I got injured yet continued to play,” he said.
“Getting back to full fitness was a bit of an issue. But if you check my record in PSL, you can’t really question it. I have come here and done what I am supposed to do as a leader and a lower-order finisher. This year is no different. I was the first player here before my teammates came into the camp only to make sure I was ready for this tournament.”
“I am feeling good and fully fit which includes bowling and batting. I didn’t have a good time in CPL, but I don’t dwell on the past. I always look towards the future,” he added.
