ISLAMABAD: Pakistan T20 cricket captain Salman Ali Agha dedicated his team’s victory in the tri-nation series in the UAE to flood victims in his country, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Sunday, urging others to come forward and help victims of the calamity.
Floods in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province, also known as the country’s breadbasket, have caused devastation for millions since late August. Torrential rains and excess floodwaters released by India have inundated over 4,100 villages in the province, killing at least 56 in Punjab and affecting over four million.
Pakistan stomped Afghanistan in the final of the tri-nation series on Sunday in Sharjah, which also featured hosts UAE. The Green Shirts won the toss and elected to bat first, putting on 141/8 on a pitch that offered turn and bounce to spinners. In response, Afghanistan were bundled out for a paltry 66 runs in 15.5 overs, courtesy of stellar spin bowling by all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, who returned figures of 5/19 from his four overs.
“We stand with our brothers and sisters in this difficult time of hardship,” Agha was quoted as saying by the PCB. “Everyone should come forward together to help the flood victims.”
Agha and lethal left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi both announced they would dedicate their entire match fees from the tri-nation series to the government’s flood relief fund.
“The soil of our homeland is demanding from us today to help the flood-affected people,” Afridi was quoted as saying by the board. “I appeal to the nation to actively contribute to the flood relief fund.”
The Green Shirts will now prepare for the upcoming Asia Cup tournament, slated to be held in the UAE from Sept. 9-28. Pakistan will begin their campaign to win the title on Sep. 12 against Oman before taking on defending champions India on Sept. 14 in Dubai.
