Amid coronavirus pandemic, lots of public celebrities including cricketers have come forward to help the deprived people. Following the pattern, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has started the initiative in his country. He has been serving the necessitous in the nation. Now, the 40-year-old has stepped forward to aid the people of neighbouring country Bangladesh.
In the process, Afridi bought the bat which was put up for auction by Bangladesh’s wicket-keeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim. The earnings will go towards COVID-19 relief efforts in Bangladesh. The bat which Rahim had decided to auction was used by him during his outstanding knock of 200 against Sri Lanka in 2013 at Galle. He revealed the news and said Afridi contacted him and came for the help.
“Shahid Afridi bought my bat on behalf of his foundation. I feel privileged and honoured that someone like him has joined our great cause. We had to suspend the auction due to some fraud bidders, which was unexpected. Shahid Bhai personally contacted me after seeing the news (of my bat put on auction),” said Rahim as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
The former Pakistani all-rounder spent 20,000 USD money and purchased the bat. Rahim thanked Afridi for the lovely gesture.
“He sent an offer letter on May 13 that he was interested to buy for USD 20,000, which is almost BDT 16.8 lakh. I want to thank everyone concerned, which includes my very good friend Tamim Iqbal. He helped me a lot in this regard,” added Rahim.
Rahim posted a video of Afridi on Twitter in which Afridi termed the Bangladeshi wicket-keeper as a real-life hero for doing tremendous social work. He further said that the current time is critical for everyone, hence, everybody should work together.
“Greetings Mushfiqur, the work that you’re doing for your countrymen is terrific; real-life heroes do these kinds of tasks. We are into a critical time where we need each other. The love and compassion that I received from Bangladesh over the years is something I will always remember. On behalf of Pakistani people, I would like to buy your cricket bat and want to be a part of your journey. I pray to almighty that soon this deadly disease will go and then for one more time we could meet on the cricket field,” said Afridi.
Thanks for your support brother ✊✊✊ pic.twitter.com/QeLiJBx0nY
— Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) May 15, 2020
