First Sikh cricketer in Pakistan to join national academy

Pakistani cricket has seen Christians and Hindus represent the country at home and abroad, but for the first time a Sikh has secured a place in the National Cricket Academy.

Mahinder Pal Singh, who hails from Nankana Sahib (Lahore), is among the list of top 30 emerging cricketers in the country, Geo News reported.

In a video circulating on social media, Singh expressed his desire to make Pakistan proud and thanked his coach and the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board for having faith in him and recognising his talent.

Singh said he was proud to be able to represent the entire Pakistani Sikh community and to have secured a place at the Pakistani Cricket Academy.

Pakistan's cricketing history has only seen seven non-muslim cricketers representing the country.

Over the years Pakistan cricket has been missing out on on regular international cricketing events on home soil, which has been served as the prime reason for the Pakistani cricket that was facing a dearth of new talent.

--IANS

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