PM hails England captain for donating match earnings to flood victims

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday appreciated England Test Captain Ben Stokes’ goodwill gesture of announcing donating his fees of entire Test series to the flood victims of Pakistan.

“We appreciate the kind gesture of England Captain Ben Stokes donating his fees of entire Test series for flood victims of Pakistan,” the prime minister wrote on his official Twitter handle.

The English team is currently in Pakistan to play a three-match Test series against the Green Shirts, which is scheduled to take place on December 1.

The first Test match will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second Test will be hosted in Multan and the last in Karachi.

Also read: Stokes announces to donate match fees from Pakistan series to flood victims

“Empathy for suffering humanity is the greatest of all virtues. His gesture epitomises the great British tradition of philanthropy,” the prime minister added.

Stokes, the 31-year-old cricketer, announced in a statement earlier today that he will donate his match fees from their three-Test series against hosts Pakistan to help the victims of devastating floods in the country.

Millions of people in Pakistan have had their lives affected by severe flooding in recent months, with officials estimating damage from torrential monsoon rains that have killed over 1,000 people at more than $40 billion.

"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," Stokes said.

"The floods that devastated Pakistan earlier this year was very sad to see and has had significant impact on the country and the 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 the Pakistan flood appeal."

(With input from Agencies)