July 29, 2007	Sunday	Rajab 13, 1428

KARACHI, July 28: Pakistan's top cricketers have pledged to raise funds for victims of the recent cyclone and subsequent floods that devastated the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan.

Salman Butt, Pakistan's vice-captain, said some cricketers had visited the flood-affected areas and were deeply moved by the plight of those living in the region.

“We have decided to help raise funds for the Islamic Relief Pakistan (IRP) which is providing assistance to the victims in both provinces,” Salman said.

Nearly 300 people died during the floods — many more are missing — and close to two million people are said to be affected. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes.

Current cricketers, including Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir and Misbah-ul-Haq will also work for the cause.

Afridi, who toured the devastated areas, said: “We were moved by the scenes that we witnessed. I believe it's our responsibility to come to the rescue of those people who have lost their dear ones, homes and livelihood.”

A group of former cricketers, including Rashid Latif, Moin Khan and Jalaluddin, are also actively involved with the organisation's fund-raising activities.

Islamic Relief is an NGO which conducts relief operations all over the world. It was established in 1984 in USA and in 1992 established its subsidiary in Pakistan. It plans to hold a series of fund-raising auctions in the US and UK in the near future.—Agencies