By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: The inaugural event of Tolerance Women’s Cricket League (TWCL) was organized by Carnelian Pvt. Ltd. on the 4th of September, at the Movenpick Hotel Karachi. Current Pakistani National Women’s Cricket Team Player, and lead run scorer in the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 Tournament, Javeria Khan was the Guest of Honor. After opening the inaugural ceremony of the TCL, Javeria Khan expressed her views regarding the initiative, emphasizing on the campaign’s endeavor to build a more inclusive, peaceful and harmonious society.
The Tolerance Cricket League is a platform where a diverse set of female students from University of Karachi (UoK), Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) and Usman Institute of Technology (UIT) can come together in a celebration of sports, togetherhood and tolerance.
Initiating the ceremony, host of the day and Project Lead, Ayesha Usman spoke about the importance of a more inclusive, diverse and tolerant society, and how TCWL aims to achieve precisely that through the learning and experiences it inculcates in its participants. She also discussed the timelines for the trials, bootcamps and, matches as well as social action projects. The idea behind this initiative is to instill an understanding of soft skills, as well as basic cricketing skills to develop participants and turn them into catalysts for change. The narrative of “Aik Maidaan, Pur Aman Pakistan” was reinforced throughout.
Post the opening talk, Zain Baloch – Head of Development at Carnelian moderated a panel discussion after giving an overview of the ongoing projects related to development and tolerance at Carnelian. Panelists included Syed Gauhar Raza Zaidi (Manager Student Center and Sports Facilities IBA), Syed Sarfaraz (Registrar at SSUET), M. Iftikhar Mubashir (Head of Humanities and Basic Science and Head Liaison of Student Society, UIT), Rashid Ali Qureshi (Directorate of Physical Education, KU) and Dr. Abdul Basit (Chairman,KU). The panel discussion was incredibly insightful and incorporated questions from MPA Shahzad Qureshi, the guests and students. The discussion mainly focused on government policies and how female athletes need to be in adequate representation. University representatives also focused on the sustainability and continuity of this campaign and how it must be taken forward in the future.
The next speaker was the emerging talent Hassan Khan (Player under-19 Pakistan Cricket Team) who spoke about the importance of such platforms in the capacity of the TWCL youth ambassador. Furthering Hassan’s talk, Javeria Khan (Player Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team) gave guidance to the participants and explained to them as to why such platforms are crucial and why women need to enter these spaces and grow. She also spoke to the participants about initial difficulties that they may face in times of adversity, but the important part is to keep persevering and moving forward. Such platforms are rudimentary in order to contribute towards a more tolerant and peaceful society. What we must take from all this is to become a responsible citizen that not only respects differences but also celebrates them. Throughout her talk, she spoke about her own journey and mentioned that as the cause ambassador of TWCL she will continue to support all the players and furthers the talent that comes forward as a result of this cause.
The event was concluded with a closing segment by Fakiha Imran (Senior consultant trainer and coach at carnelian) who spoke about the importance of tolerance in an incredibly engaging manner, as well as the unveiling of the official TWCL logo by Javeria Khan.
The Event audience comprised of over 300 Students, many notable TV personalities and Government Officials. Currently serving Members of the Provincial Assembly, Mr. Shehzad Qureshi and Mr. Saeed Afridi attended the proceedings along with the Secretary of Sport and Youth Affairs, Mr. Dr. Shakir Qayyum. Mr. Abdul Ghaffar, Anchor of program ‘Replay’ on Dawn News TV also graced the event as well as, Sawera Pasha, Anchor person for PTV.
