The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stated on Sunday that the gate receipts from Pakistan's inaugural T20I match against England, scheduled for September 20 at Karachi's National Stadium, would be contributed to the Prime Minister's Flood Relief Fund 2022.
As part of a show of support for the flood victims and their families, the Babar Azam-led team will wear black armbands against India in their Group A opener at the Asia Cup 2022 on Sunday night at the Dubai International Stadium.
Heavy rains have persisted in battering areas of Pakistan already devastated by catastrophic floods of epic proportions, unleashing death and destruction in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Sindh.
Heavy rains in KP caused disastrous flooding in rivers and streams that also destroyed several homes close to their banks. Scores of people died as a result. Fresh rains have kept Balochistan isolated from the rest of the nation.
"We at the PCB want to express our sorrow and anguish to everyone who has been impacted by the unprecedented monsoon rains and floods, which have caused unimaginable destruction and mayhem, killed over 1,000 people, and left around a million people homeless. We firmly stand with the victims and everyone involved in the flood relief and rescue operations as cricket unites our proud nation."
"The PCB has always supported its supporters and the general public in trying, difficult, and trying times because it is a responsible and compassionate organisation. In light of this, we have decided to contribute the gate receipts from our upcoming T20I against England to the Prime Minister's Flood Relief Fund "announced PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja.
In order to demonstrate solidarity with all those impacted by the recent calamity brought on by floods, aid in the rehabilitation of the affected population, and support the local and federal governments in their relief and rescue operations, PCB has also urged cricket fans and followers to buy tickets in large numbers once they become available online for sale next week.
"I urge all fans to support this effort by getting tickets for the first T20I and attending in large numbers so that we as the cricketing community may contribute a sizable sum to the fund and show support for those impacted by the calamity.
"We have already delivered trucks full of food, medication, and other supplies to the devastated areas, and we'll keep helping our country and the rescue crews wherever we can. Our prayers and sympathies continue to be with the people of Pakistan "Raja added.
On their first trip to Pakistan in 17 years, England will play seven T20 internationals. September 20, 22, 23, and 25 will see matches in Karachi, while September 28 and 30, as well as October 2, will take place in Lahore.
England will then return to Pakistan in late November for three Tests, which will be played in Rawalpindi (December 1-5), Multan (December 9-13) and Karachi (December 17-21) as part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2021-23.