‘The respect we get from India, we don't even…’ - Shahid Afridi recalls while discussing Ben Stoke’s gesture ahead of Pakistan Test series

On 1 December 2022, England began their three-match Test series against Pakistan in Pakistan in Rawalpindi. After a gap of 17 years, England finally visited Pakistan to play a Test series. So, Pakistani fans were eagerly waiting for the series to get kicked off. However, before the series, England’s Test skipper, Ben Stokes came up with a huge gesture.

He shared a message to confirm that he will donate all of his match fees to the flood victims of Pakistan. Fans loved that heartwarming gesture from the England skipper as they came up and shared their views. Now, former Pakistan player, Shahid Afridi came up with a message regarding that matter.

“It was a positive message because of the situation at that time.” - Shahid Afridi on Ben Stoke’s gesture

While speaking to his country's news channel, Samaa TV, Shahid Afridi recalled an incident while he was the captain of Pakistan and he took his team to India for the World Cup. He said: "I've always believed in that. When we went to India for the World Cup, I was there as a captain of the side.” 

“And I had said that the respect we get from India, we don't even get that from Pakistan. It was a positive message because of the situation at that time. There were doubts over whether we would travel to India. As an athlete, the whole world watches you. You always want to keep your country's reputation intact.” Afridi said.

He also heaped high praises for Ben Stokes after his decision. “Ben Stokes' gesture was amazing, it was a nice message. Such things should happen more often, the players are more friendly now. International players now share the dressing room together,” Shahid Afridi concluded. Speaking of the first Test match of the series, England won the toss and chose to bat first. They made a fantastic start as England managed 219 runs in 34 overs. Zak Crawley scored a hundred while Ben Duckett scored 96* runs off 103 balls.