Mark Tronson, chairman of Well-Being Australia, notes that the Christmas Celebration Cricket Tournament in Pakistan has proved, over 21 years, to help bring harmony and peace in Pakistan and understanding between Christian and Muslim communities. This year, there were 24 cricket teams and 384 cricket players. They played a total 23 matches altogether, and every match was started with a devotional message to challenge the players to 'Love God, Love others'.
The final match was played between the teams, 'Ismail Memorial' and 'Cousin Eleven'. The Cousin Eleven won the final game in a competitive yet friendly atmosphere, before the trophies and other prizes were presented by Mr. Perviaz Masih Khan a regional leading figure while other distinguished guests assisted.
One of the senior cricketers, Said Muihid Ali exclaimed, "This was a good opportunity to understand the Christian community, I now have a different picture about Christians in my mind."
Similarly, Said Faisal Shah another respected cricketer stated, "I have been playing this tournament for the past five years. I have always found this tournament a unique opportunity to meet people of another religion, on the common ground of cricket. I really enjoyed being a part of this."
In Pakistan, Cricket is the most popular sport. Prominent cricketer and evangelist, Victor Lal, used this as a lever to establish the 'Operation Mobilisation Pakistan' Sports Ministry in order to lead a group of Christian cricket lovers to share his love of Jesus way back in 1998.
To kick start his evangelistic vision, Victor Lal began with a cricket tournament in Lahore in December of that year, with 12 teams competing. The Christmas festival is the culmination of this 'Sports Festival', which runs from November 4 through 15 December with the final for the Christmas tournament on 17 December.
Victor Lal explained that they follow up these tournaments with a weekly Bible study for sportsmen.
This year, Victor has requested international media exposure for this Christmas sports outreach. Mark Tronson said that he is confident the international media exposure helps Victor Lal attain his goals.
As the Pakistan - Australia Test Cricket series gets under way, Victor Lal and his team begin planning their Easter 2010 cricket outreach.