Smart Zone Strikers Win Quaid-e-Azam Independence Cup in Jeddah
Eight teams compete in two-day tournament organized to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day
JEDDAH — Amir Muhammad Khan
Smart Zone Strikers won the **Quaid-e-Azam Independence Cup 2026** in Jeddah, defeating Karam Al-Balad by 37 runs in the final of the two-day cricket tournament organized as part of Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations.
The tournament was organized under the auspices of **Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood, President of the Pakistan Investors Forum Saudi Arabia**, and attracted a large number of cricket enthusiasts and members of the Pakistani community.
Eight teams, including a team representing the **Pakistan Consulate**, participated in the tournament. In the final, Smart Zone Strikers batted first and scored 51 runs in the allotted eight overs. Zain Ali top-scored with 19 runs, while Yaseen Riaz contributed 13 runs.
**Masood Ahmed Puri, Chairman of the Kashmir Committee**, was the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony. **Agha Hashir** represented the Pakistan Consulate, while **Brahmawi Muslim, Project Supervisor**, also attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, organizer **Chaudhry Shafqat Mahmood** said the tournament was aimed at encouraging young people to participate in healthy and positive activities, promoting sports and strengthening the spirit of unity, brotherhood and patriotism within the Pakistani community.
He said the tournament was named the **Quaid-e-Azam Independence Cup** as a tribute to the services and leadership of Pakistan’s founder, **Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah**. He added that the name was also chosen in line with the government’s decision to dedicate the year to the memory and legacy of the Quaid.
Chief Guest **Masood Ahmed Puri** said sports provide young people with healthy recreation and play an important role in promoting national unity, social harmony, brotherhood and positive values.
Representing the Pakistan Consulate, **Agha Hashir** congratulated the organizers and participating teams. He said community-based sports and constructive activities were essential for engaging young people and strengthening community bonds. He added that the Pakistan Consulate would continue to encourage and support such healthy initiatives.
The ceremony was attended by prominent members of the Pakistani community, including **Chaudhry Azhar Warraich, Chaudhry Akram Gujjar, Mehr Abdul Khaliq Lak and Anser Mughal**, along with other distinguished guests.
Trophies, medals and cash prizes were distributed among the winning teams and outstanding players at the conclusion of the tournament. The event was marked by enthusiasm and excitement among the players and spectators.
Women from the Pakistani community also set up stalls featuring **traditional Pakistani food, paintings, national memorabilia and cultural items**. The stalls added colour to the Independence Day celebrations and provided visitors with a glimpse of Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.
**PHOTO CAPTION:**
*Chief guest Masood Ahmed Puri, organizers and distinguished guests pose with the winning team, Smart Zone Strikers, after the presentation of the Quaid-e-Azam Independence Cup in Jeddah.
