England cricket players are currently in Pakistan playing the first of the three-match Test series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. For the unversed, this is England’s first Test in Pakistan after 17 long years.
Ahead of the first Test between Pakistan and England, skipper Ben Stokes made an incredible gesture that won the hearts of the cricket fraternity. The all-rounder pledged to donate his entire match fees from the Test series towards flood relief assistance in Pakistan.
For the uninitiated, during the monsoon season in Pakistan, there were devastating floods in the country, in what was the worst ever scenario in their history. The devastating floods disrupted normal life, leaving countless people homeless.
Moreover, the people in Pakistan faced severe consequences of the flood as the public facilities and schools were immensely damaged. As a result, fans and former cricket players heaped praise on Ben Stokes for the heartwarming gesture.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi recalls the reason for his big message
Meanwhile, former Pakistan skipper, Shahid Afridi also opened up on the same while speaking with Pakistan’s news channel, Samaa TV.
Afridi recalled the incident when they went to India for the World Cup and when he was the skipper of the team, he said the respect they got from India, they don’t even get the same from Pakistan.
He further added that it was a positive message because of the tough situation at that time. Meanwhile, the former Pakistani cricketer also spoke about the incredible gesture by Ben Stokes.
He further added that such gestures or things should happen quite often. Well, over the years, players have proved that humanity still exists and the players are not the same as before.
Nowadays, players are more friendly amongst themselves and the international players also share the dressing room together, which is indeed worth applauding.
“I’ve always believed in that. When we went to India for the World Cup, I was there as a captain of the side. And I had said that the respect we get from India, we don’t even get that from Pakistan. It was a positive message because the situation at that time. There were doubts over whether we would travel to India. As an athlete, the whole world watches you. You always want keep your country’s reputation intact,” he said.
