England Test captain Ben Stokes is not here to play, he is here to win. And he’s doing it before the game even starts – winning our hearts.
On Monday, he announced that he would donate his match fee from the upcoming Test series against Pakistan to flood victims. “It is very exciting to be here after 17 years as a Test team. There is a sense of responsibility between playing and the support group, and being here is special,” he wrote. “Sports has given me so much in my life and I think it’s only right to give back something beyond cricket.” He concluded with the hope that the donation would go towards the reconstruction of flood affected areas.
I’m donating my match fees from this Test series to the Pakistan Flood appeal ❤️🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/BgvY0VQ2GG
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) November 28, 2022
This simple and overwhelmingly kind gesture has touched all of our hearts. Sports are important but few things matter more. And when a player decides to honor it, he leaves a mark. We don’t know what is going to happen in the Test series but we do know that it has already turned into an important one, all through an act of grace.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif immediately responded and praised Stokes’ compassionate approach.
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. 🇵🇰 🇬🇧
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 28, 2022
Cricketers Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar and Junaid Khan also re-shared his tweet and sent their best wishes welcoming him back.
Warm welcome to @englandcricket on their arrival to 🇵🇰 after 17 long years. Much respect to @benstokes38 for this gesture for flood victims, you are a true ambassador of our sport, May others be inspired through this. Looking forward to good cricket during #PakvsEng all the best https://t.co/uc16Oo9qb0
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 28, 2022
Great gesture. https://t.co/BsGpT1FhCc
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 28, 2022
The people of Pakistan appreciate your generous deed. #PakvsEng2022
— Junaid khan 83 (@JunaidkhanREAL) November 28, 2022
Indian cricket fans, too, were touched by this gesture.
Amazing gesture @benstokes38 ❤️
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) November 28, 2022
Legend for a reason ♥️
— Avinash Aryan (@AvinashArya09) November 28, 2022
True legend behaviour.
my man proper legend🛐❤️ pic.twitter.com/7jUoxOEZdJ
— Fahadhasan Mushfiqur (@FahadHa94174463) November 28, 2022
Let’s make the standing ovation happen!
This remarkable man is truly deserving of a standing ovation as soon as he enters the Stadium on Thursday morning. Make it happen Rawalpindi.
— AmerCric (@Amermalik12) November 28, 2022
Stokes has defined the meaning of being amazing in the last few years, on and off the pitch. https://t.co/EkuEVgMugv
