Salman Ali Agha & Shaheen Shah Afridi Donate Tri-Series Winnings to Flood Victims
In a remarkable act of solidarity, Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi announced on September 8, 2025, that they will donate their entire earnings from the tri-nation series to support flood-ravaged communities across Pakistan.
The Announcement & Call to Others
Following Pakistan’s emphatic 75-run victory over Afghanistan in the Sharjah tri-series final, Salman Ali Agha took to social media with a heartfelt declaration:
“Currently our country is going through a difficult time. Myself and Shaheen Afridi will donate tri-nation series earnings to all affected by floods back home.”
“I’d encourage our stars to donate in rebuilding for those whose lives are destroyed.”
Shaheen Afridi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing:
“The soil of our homeland is demanding from us today to help the flood-affected people. I appeal to the nation to actively contribute to the flood relief fund.”
Their gesture not only underscores personal empathy but serves as a powerful call to action for sports stars and the public alike to contribute to rebuilding efforts.
A Victory with a Purpose
The announcement came immediately after Pakistan’s dominant performance in the tri-series final: defending a target of 141, they bowled Afghanistan out for just 66. Spinner Mohammad Nawaz was the star of the show, claiming 5/19—including a hat-trick—and leading Pakistan to a comprehensive 75-run win. Shaheen Afridi also made an early impact, dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz amid his economical spell. Salman Ali Agha lent crucial support with the bat, scoring 24 off 27 alongside Nawaz’s 25 off 21 to steady the innings.
In the Shadow of Catastrophe
This selfless pledge arrives as Pakistan grapples with one of its worst monsoon disasters in recent memory. Since late June, more than 900 lives have been lost; at least 1,400 villages in Punjab have been submerged, and over one million people displaced.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the tragedy is even more pronounced, with fatalities exceeding 500—256 of them in Buner, including 23 children. Punjab, the nation’s agricultural heartland, is facing its “worst ever” flood, affecting around 4.1 million residents.
Previous Relief Efforts & United Front
This isn’t the first time cricket has rallied for relief. On August 30, a star-studded charity game at Peshawar’s Imran Khan Stadium featured Peshawar Zalmi versus a team of retired legends—Inzamam ul Haq, Shahid Afridi, Younus Khan, Shoaib Akhtar, and Waqar Younis—and drew a packed crowd in support of flood relief efforts.
What This Means
- Leadership in action: Salman Ali Agha and Shaheen Afridi’s pledge stands as a potent reminder that public figures can mobilize hope and resources at critical times.
- Setting a precedent: By urging other stars to give back, these athletes are shifting from symbolic gestures to collective action.
- Sport as social catalyst: Their announcement reinforces cricket’s cultural influence, turning victories into vehicles for humanitarian support.
Final Take
Salman Ali Agha and Shaheen Shah Afridi have demonstrated that true leadership isn’t just about winning matches—it’s about lifting communities. Their commitment to donate their tri-series earnings is a powerful testament to the role of sport in society, especially when nation and nature are at odds. May this spark a wave of compassion—not just among celebrities, but across every sector and citizen—motivated by the spirit of giving back.
