Noble gesture! Ben Stokes pledges to donate entire match fees from Pakistan series to Pakistan Flood appeal
The upcoming week is set to be a historic occasion for world cricket as the England cricket team will play a Test series on Pakistan soil for the first time in 17 years. The three-match series will begin on Thursday (December 1) and be a vital assignment for both teams in the World Test championship.
Ahead of the marquee series, England captain Ben Stokes has won hearts of cricket lovers across the globe by announcing his intention to donate his match fees from the entire series to flood rescue efforts in Pakistan. The Asian nation was hit by devastating floods earlier this year which is estimated to have killed more than 1,700 people and affected more than 3.3 crore people in the country according to news agency Reuters.
Stokes stated that the players on the tour have a sense of responsibility and stated that while cricket has given him a lot, he wants to repay it by making efforts that go much beyond cricket. Stokes revealed he will donate his match fees to the ‘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 the people,” said Stokes in a statement issued on social media.
“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. Hopefully this donation can go towards the rebuilding of areas of Pakistan most affected by the flooding,” he added.
Stokes took over England’s captaincy in red-ball cricket earlier this year after Joe Root’s resignation. The all-rounder’s leadership stint got off to a terrific start with home series wins over New Zealand and South Africa as well as victory over India in a one-off Test match.
