Kolkata, Jan 11: Amid simmering tension at the LoC, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today got a pleasant surprise from across the border with the Pakistan Cricket Board sending a silver-coated Quran.
‘Overwhelmed' by the hospitality at the Eden Gardens during India-Pakistan second ODI here, the PCB sent the gift to the Cricket Association of Bengal who handed it over to the CM during a function at the Netaji Indoor here today.
“The PCB who included Chairman Zaka Ashraf were bowled over by the hospitality received here. As a gesture, they have sent the gift for Mamata,” a CAB official said.
Meanwhile, Mamata announced the formation of a task force to oversee the development of sports under a five-year scheme. She also gave away Rs 2 lakh each to 1750 clubs in Bengal to improve the standard of sports.
The CM also announced ‘Bongo Khel Ratna' award, the state's highest honour for achievement in sport which will be given from next year.