KARACHI – Captain of the England Test team Ben Stokes has announced he will donate his match fees from the upcoming Test series to the flood victims of Pakistan.
The England cricket team arrived in Karachi on Thursday on their first tour of Pakistan in 17 years. This long absence was caused by security fears and terror attacks on international teams in Pakistan.
Stokes’ announcement has come at a time when Pakistan’s flood victims are in dire need of help ahead of a severe winter season. Floods triggered by climate change killed more than 1,000 people in Pakistan and rendered around 33 million homeless from June to August this year.
On Monday, Stokes took to Twitter to announce his donation. He tweeted, “I’m donating my match fees from this Test series to Pakistan Flood appeal.
“It is great to be in Pakistan for the first time for this historic series. To be back here after 17 years as a Test side is very exciting. There is a sense of responsibility amongst the playing and support group and to be here is special.
“The floods that devastated Pakistan earlier this year was very sad to see and has had significant impact on the country and people.
“The game has given me a lot in my life and I feel it’s only right to give something back that goes far beyond cricket. I will be donating my match fees from this Test series to Pakistan Flood appeal.
“Hopefully this donation can go towards the rebuilding of areas of Pakistan most affected by the flooding. Cheers, Ben”
I’m donating my match fees from this Test series to the Pakistan Flood appeal ❤️🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/BgvY0VQ2GG
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) November 28, 2022
Reacting to Stokes’ announcement, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised him for his kind act. He tweeted, “We appreciate the gesture of England Captain Ben Stokes donating his fees of entire Test series for flood victims of Pakistan. Empathy for suffering humanity is the greatest of all virtues. His gesture epitomises the great British tradition of philanthropy.”
We appreciate the kind gesture of England Captain Ben Stokes donating his fees of entire Test series for flood victims of Pakistan. Empathy for suffering humanity is the greatest of all virtues. His gesture epitomises the great British tradition of philanthropy. 🇵🇰 🇬🇧
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 28, 2022
Earlier, England played Pakistan in seven Twenty20 games in Karachi and Lahore from September 20 to October 2. Now the England team has returned to play Pakistan in three Tests in December.