Brave cancer survivors ready to bat for Afridi
dubai — The Pakistan Super League that got off to a rousing start in Dubai on Thursday, is making waves off pitch for the right causes, too. Peshawar Zalmi, last years’ semifinalists, are batting for young cancer patients this year, and it’s becoming something of a tradition for the team.
The beaming faces of the 19 youngsters at Dubai airport on Thursday morning said it all. They were delighted to be in the city to watch the opener of the PSL between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The elated visitors aged between 10 and 20 were received by Peshawar Zalmi officials on arrival at 6am. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Suraj Kumar, a cancer survivor from Sindh province, said it was a dream come true to be in the city and watch the match live at the stadium.
“Shaukat Khanum (a cancer hospital founded by cricketerturned politician Imran Khan) has given us new life and Peshawar Zalmi has given us a chance to enjoy it. We are thankful to Peshawar Zalmi for inviting us here and hope they win the PSL. We are excited to meet Lala (Shahid Afridi) and other top stars of world cricket.”
Khizar Sajid from Lahore, said: “You never know what life has in store for you. I feel I am lucky to survive a disease like cancer and now I want to enjoy life.”
“It is only because of Peshawar Zalmi that I am here and I will remember this trip for the rest of my life.”
Naila K han, senior manager marketing Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, was all praise for the team’s gesture. Last year, the franchise owned by Javed Afridi, flew in students from Army Public School, where more than 100 students were killed in by terrorists in 2014.
“They have fought a big battle against cancer and want to show the world that nothing is impossible. They expect a great fight from Peshawar Zalmi and Shahid Afridi.”
Naila added, “We are thankful that God has helped Imran Khan to build a hospital like Shaukat Khanum where 75 per cent patients get treatment for free. Hundreds of people are living a normal life after getting treated at the hospital.”
Another patient, Zahra Shafique said: “I am very excited to watch the match today and my prayers are with Peshawar Zalmi to win this tournament.”
Young Aafia Anees said this trip to Dubai had given her life a new meaning. liaqat@khaleejtimes.com