Pakistan star all rounder Shahid Afridi will be coming out of retirement from international cricket, as he will be seen in action for the ICC World XI in a T20I against the Windies to be played at Lord’s on May 31.
Afridi, alongside fellow Pakistani all rounder Shoaib Malik, will participate in the match that is being organised to raise funds for stadium in the Caribbean that were badly damaged following Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year.
“I am humbled to have been selected for such a noble cause. Cricket is one big family and no matter how hard and tough we play against each other, there is tremendous comradery within the group. As such, it is our moral and professional obligation to stand up and support whenever and wherever we can, to assist our members, colleagues and cricket fans,” said Afridi, quoted ICC.
“Lord’s is an iconic venue and the perfect location for this match. I have some fond memories of this great venue, having played the finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 1999 and the ICC World T20 2009, and I look forward to visiting it again in May with an aim to entertain the fans,” he added.
BREAKING: @SAfridiOfficial, @realshoaibmalik and @PereraThisara join @Eoin16 in the ICC World XI to face West Indies in the #CricketRelief T20I at @HomeOfCricket next month!https://t.co/c0bqcYqEdg pic.twitter.com/B1jj6qE8SE
— ICC (@ICC) April 19, 2018
Meanwhile, Shoaib Malik too expressed excitement playing along Afridi at Lords, as the duo were part of Pakistan team that beat Sri Lanka in the final to win the ICC World Twenty20 in 2009
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“It’s a matter of great honour and pride to be selected in an ICC World XI and a wonderful opportunity to play along with and against some of the biggest names in world cricket.
“As much as the chance of figuring in such a select group, I also see this as an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful cause. We have all heard of the damage caused by the two hurricanes in the West Indies last year and it is really good to see so many cricketers come together for the objective of raising funds to repair the damage to cricket venues.
“That the match is being played at Lord’s makes this event extra special for me. Lord’s obviously is one of the most revered cricket venues but I also have some very delightful memories there. One that really stands out is anchoring the chase along with Shahid Afridi when we beat Sri Lanka in the final to win the ICC World Twenty20 in 2009.”
The funds raised from the match will be used rebuild and restore five major cricket venues across the Caribbean region damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
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