Srinagar: In a heart warming gesture England Test team skipper Ben Stokes has said that he will be donating his match from three match Test series vs Pakistan to Pakistan flood victims.
Pakistan suffered one of the worst flood this year with millions of people affected. 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 in statement issued on Twitter.
“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.”
Meanwhile Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has thanked Ben Stokes.
“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,” Shahbaz Tweeted.
The first Test is due to start on Thursday.