Pakistani Cricketers Pledge Earnings to Flood Relief

Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan’s T20I captain, together with fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, have announced their intention to donate their earnings from the recent tri-series held in Sharjah. This contribution will aid those impacted by the severe floods affecting the nation.

Agha communicated his sentiments on social media, expressing deep concern for those affected by the widespread flooding. He also emphasized the important role that athletes can play in supporting communities during times of crisis.

“The crucial aspect is our collective response as a team. Our nation faces significant challenges presently. Shaheen Afridi and I will be donating our earnings from the tri-nation series to those impacted by the floods. I encourage fellow athletes to assist in the rebuilding efforts for individuals whose lives have been upended,” Agha stated.

This charitable act occurs as Pakistan deals with its second major monsoon-related flood event within a three-year span.

Data from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) indicates that since late June, more than 900 individuals have lost their lives, over 1,400 villages in Punjab have been flooded, and in excess of one million people have been displaced from their homes.

The announcement coincided with Pakistan’s triumph over Afghanistan by 75 runs in the tri-series final on Sunday. Mohammad Nawaz delivered a stellar performance with his spin bowling, significantly disrupting Afghanistan’s batting order.

Set a target of 142, Afghanistan was dismissed for merely 66 runs. Shaheen Afridi made an early impact, dismissing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for five runs in the opening over.

Sediqullah Atal was caught out for 13 by Abrar Ahmed, while Nawaz claimed three wickets in a single over, removing Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Ibrahim Zadran. He later secured his fourth wicket by dismissing Karim Janat, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 32-6.

Nawaz concluded his spell by taking the wicket of captain Rashid Khan for 17, marking his fifth wicket of the match and leaving Afghanistan at 55-8 after 12.2 overs. Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Muqeem each contributed with two wickets.

Pakistan’s batting innings faced early challenges, with Sahibzada Farhan being dismissed for a duck. Saim Ayub (17) and Fakhar Zaman (27) attempted to stabilize the innings before succumbing to spin bowling.

Captain Salman Ali Agha and Nawaz then forged a crucial 40-run partnership, with Nawaz contributing 25, helping Pakistan to a total of 141-8 and setting a target of 142.

For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan secured 3/38, while Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and AM Ghazanfar took the remaining wickets.