PCB pledges aid for flood victims

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket on Tuesday pledged more than $133,000 for flood victims and said it was working to drum up further funds through an international exhibition match in England.

Pakistan has been devastated by massive flooding that has affected 20 million people in the country’s worst ever natural disaster.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it felt duty-bound to support the victims and pledged 11.42 million rupees, or $133,440, to the prime minister’s flood relief fund.

The donations were made by PCB chairman Ijaz Butt, PCB staff and players in the national team, who are currently on tour in England.

The PCB said it was in talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board about holding an exhibition match in England with international stars to raise further funds.

Pakistan one-day captain Shahid Afridi has also launched a campaign and is touring flood-affected areas to distribute funds and food. Running a separate campaign is Pakistan’s international cricket umpire Alem Dar.