Cricket world also upfront in helping Pakistani flood victims
A number of International cricket boards have also offered help to Pakistan, as it has been struck by severe floods that have resulted in widespread death and destruction. Other than the International Cricket Council, these include the England, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045 cricket boards. Some among them have agreed to contribute for the fund raising matches scheduled to be held soon.
The floods in Pakistan have been categorized as one of the worst in living memory that have affected more than 40 million lives and displaced one-fifth of the country’s population while also causing death to thousands. Although, the international community’s initial response in terms of aid seemed a bit slow but it has steadily picked up pace.
In the cricketing world, the ICC has shown willingness to organize fundraising matches between Pakistan and the ICC World XI team. Although, the venues and timings are still to be finalized due to the security issues within Pakistan, but if not the Pakistani territory, then these matches would most probably be played during Pakistan’s ongoing tour of England. While the Pakistan Cricket Board itself has donated US$130,000 for the flood victims, the Pakistani test team skipper Salman Butt also has dedicated http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755’s 3rd test win at the Oval to his help seeking nation, with the national players also contributing a percentage of their match fees to them. Butt told media, “The only thing we could do is win a good game to bring some cheer to the flood victims. We name our victory to them. We have already donated a percentage of our match fees.”
On the other hand, Pakistan’s ODI and T20 Captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Khan-c71319, earlier with his good reputation and credentials was able to collect millions for the biggest cancer hospital in Pakistan, namely Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.
The English skipper Andrew Strauss also announced in a statement, “We’re donating a proportion of our match fees to the Victims fund. It’s a humanitarian catastrophe out there and we’re trying to help as much as we can. The more people do this the better.” PCB Chairman http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ijaz-Butt-c64128 has appreciated the support shown by various international cricket boards for this noble cause. PCB is also looking forward to ICC’s response on the issue of whether Pakistan can hold international matches on its soil, as due to the lack of such matches, PCB has been deprived of a major portion of its income. International matches inside Pakistan stopped ever since the attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore last year. The national side has been forced to play several “home” series on neutral venues such as UAE and England.
The Government of Pakistan and PCB are trying their utmost to do all that is possible for the flood victims but no country can alone meet a challenge of such immense magnitude so this is the time for cricketing world also, apart from others, to respond to the millions in need.
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