Islamabad’s Oldest Cricket Clubs Unite Ahead of PCB Tournament
National Cricket Club, one of Islamabad’s oldest cricket institutions, organised a friendly exhibition match against Capital Mountain as part of its preparations for the upcoming PCB Inter Club Tournament. Key figures, including NCC President Muhammad Umar Shabbir, ESSCO Cricket Club President Saboor Awan, and Capital Mountains President Irtaza Awan, attended the event. The highlight was the arrival of Vice President Faisal Bin Nasser, who praised the clubs’ efforts and encouraged young players. Established in 1978 and 1981, respectively, the National Cricket Club and ESSCO Cricket Club continue to play a major role in developing cricket talent in Islamabad. The match concluded with a win for NCC, reflecting strong readiness for the tournament.
Enet
One of Islamabad’s oldest cricket clubs is gearing up for the PCB Inter Club Tournament, with the new Vice President of National Cricket Club joining the preparations and appreciating the ongoing efforts of Head Coach Saboor Awan.
On Sunday, November 22, 2025, Adnan Awan organised a friendly exhibition match between the National Cricket Club and Capital Mountain. The event was attended by National Cricket Club President and renowned journalist Muhammad Umar Shabbir, ESSCO Cricket Club President Saboor Awan—who is currently mentoring all three clubs—and Capital Mountains President Irtaza Awan.
Muhammad Umar Shabbir, known for his sports commitment and unbiased journalism, has worked with several well-known media outlets and contributes to international media as well. His presence was a great opportunity for young players to showcase their talent.
The biggest surprise of the day came when Vice President Faisal Bin Nasser, Focal Person of the Press Council of Pakistan and a respected journalist, arrived at the venue. Although he joined the club in June 2025, his ongoing commitments had kept him away until now. He praised the club’s preparations for the upcoming PCB intra-club tournament.
He commended Saboor Awan for training not only the National Cricket Club but also the ESSCO Cricket Club and Capital Mountain. His son was also present, and Faisal Bin Nasser remarked that all the boys and girls playing there were just like his own child standing beside him.
Faisal Bin Nasser distributed kits and shirts to the players, appreciated their efforts, and wished them success for the upcoming tournament. In his closing remarks, he said that if the players put in their hard work, then he and Umar would give 200% support in return.
Later, Muhammad Umar Shabbir shared a few words, thanking Capital Mountains President Malik Irtaza Awan for organising such a wonderful match. He also appreciated the efforts of ESSCO Cricket Club Manager Adnan Awan and ESSCO President Saboor Awan for arranging this friendly exhibition fixture ahead of the PCB tournament.
National Cricket Club and ESSCO Cricket Club are among the oldest cricket institutions in Islamabad. The National Cricket Club, established in 1981, has spent 44 years making significant contributions to Pakistan cricket. ESSCO Cricket Club, founded in 1978, is also one of the major clubs producing cricket talent. Both clubs are known for their professionalism and systematic player development.
The match concluded with a win for the National Cricket Club, highlighting the skill and preparation needed for the major tournament ahead. More importantly, it was a win for the sport and for the future of young cricketers.
