Kohli donates signed bat to Shahid Afridi Foundation

E-Paper | March 15, 2026

In another gesture of friendship towards Shahid Afridi, the Indian cricket team Captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday sent a bat signed by him for auctioning in a Shahid Afridi Foundation event.

Kohli's bat will be presented for auction in a charity dinner in Newcastle to collect funds to build a hospital in Tharparkar.

"Thank you @imVkohli for your kind gesture in support of @SAFoundationN. Friends & supporters like you ensure #HopeNotOut for everyone," former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi tweeted with a picture of the bat.

"Wishing you and the @SAFoundationN all the luck for the upcoming events," Kohli, who is currently with his side in Sri Lanka, replied.

The Indian team had gifted a signed Virat Kohli shirt to Afridi on his retirement earlier this year. Kohli had also been in the news for gifting his bat to Mohammad Amir upon his return to international cricket.

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Asif A Shah

Aug 01, 2017 08:25pm

Thank you,Mr. Kohli! You are in league with M. S. Dhoni. A nice gesture!

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Capt C M Khan

Aug 01, 2017 08:27pm

Love Kohli...wish we had Such gracious Stars. India has Kohli, Tendulkar and Amitabh. Great Respect for all three.

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Joe

Aug 01, 2017 08:28pm

He is just not called the best batsman in present generation,for nothing. Look at his kind gestures.

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Aug 01, 2017 08:40pm

Mr Kholi give some lesson to your board members.

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Aug 01, 2017 08:40pm

Guy used to be a hot head. Now he is a thorough gentleman like Dhoni.

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salman waheed

Aug 01, 2017 08:49pm

Kohli you have respect from all pakistan

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ali

Aug 01, 2017 08:51pm

friendship should conquer. we need friendship between two nations , and two people, two countries, two teams of sports . we welcome this gesture on both sides.

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Harmony-1©

Aug 01, 2017 08:58pm

A wonderful gesture of kindness, no doubt.

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Syed Moinuddin, Canada

Aug 01, 2017 08:58pm

This is a great gesture. If only our leaders could emulate some of these great sportsmen and ordinary people who have time to time shown such great friendship and affection for each other. As far as Mr. Kohli is concerned, he has shown a great character and wide perspective towards relationship.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Aug 01, 2017 08:59pm

For sure, he deserves a Nobel Prize now.

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Javed

Aug 01, 2017 09:03pm

Very human hopefully in our lifetime we see Indians and Pakistanis work and help each other like two brothers. Kholi and dhoni are the best

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rich

Aug 01, 2017 09:09pm

@a Mr Kholi give some lesson to your board members. he does not control the board member we do they cannot do anything which the people of india do not want them to do they would love india to play series with pakistan as it will make lots of money, but if they do they are out and the politician approving the series is out try to understand my friend we mubaikar have not forgoten , and pakistan has not helped

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Waseem sarwar

Aug 01, 2017 09:12pm

That's brilliant from a awesome player and person.

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Najib

Aug 01, 2017 09:12pm

Pakistanis LOVE Kholi - he isnt only the best batsman but such a adorable gentlemen promoting peace between two past brothers i.e. India and Pakistan.

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cinic

Aug 01, 2017 09:16pm

This small gesture is a big stride in normalising relations between India and Pakistan. Gestures like this should come about in big way from celebrities of all categories. Ordinary people of both countries realised this all along and are visiting each other's countries on regular basis, slowdown only recently due to increased hostilities. It is time the influential people like cricketers, filmstars, artists, writers etc come forward with gestures of this kind which will heal the wounds of partition and create the feeling oneness among the great peoples of the two countries divided on historical reasons.

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Nasim Zaidi

Aug 01, 2017 09:16pm

Thank you Virat thats very nice of you ,I pray one day you broke all the existing batting records , I am a big fan of yours Pakistani settled in California always pray for your success . Nasim Zaidi SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA

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RIZ

Aug 01, 2017 09:30pm

Nice to see off the field friendship between players I hope one day things will be normal and both countries will live like neighbors should.

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Amir

Aug 01, 2017 09:43pm

Kohli is not only the greatest player but also a great human being. He is a great asset to Cricket.

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Skkk

Aug 01, 2017 09:45pm

Lovely Kohli!!! That is above politics and usual nonsense. You are not 'just' a great batsman, but more. and lovely Afridi for this great idea. God bless both!!

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Khurram

Aug 01, 2017 09:48pm

Sets a great example of how friendship in neighbourhood can flourish. Unfortunately politicians in both nations can't perform this simple act.

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Aug 01, 2017 09:50pm

Good gesture

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Pakistani

Aug 01, 2017 09:54pm

These kind of gestures shows the real character of a person. Thank you Virat Kohli for proving to the world that you are a True Gentleman!. Unfortunately, politics have ruined the cricketing relations between the two nations. I hope Pak & Ind will resume the series soon!!

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Ash20

Aug 01, 2017 10:05pm

Good action by Kholi. Hope few Pakistani stars do some goodwill work for Indians too particularly who earn money in India. These gestures helps in creating good atmosphere between people to people. Like Edhi foundation helped an Indian girl earlier.

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SAEED MASOOD

Aug 01, 2017 10:10pm

Very decent and good gesture... that's called sport man ship.

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Sachin Tendulkar

Aug 01, 2017 10:28pm

That's good gesture from Kohil, I wonder Sachin Tendulkar, DS made any Hospital or anything else for poor !

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From Toronto

Aug 01, 2017 10:33pm

Virat Kholi is the best player and human being. I wish him all the success as batsman, captain and future coach for the Indian team. He also has great prospects to be professional commentator. How can person be so great, we are jealous of you now!

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Texan

Aug 01, 2017 11:07pm

Kohli should sign and donate the bat that got him out twice against Amir. That will sell in auction at a higher price. Afridi's charity will benefit.

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Mehboob

Aug 01, 2017 11:07pm

Once again Kohli proved that he is not just a great cricketer but a great sportsman as well. Loves and Respect.

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Good progress

Aug 01, 2017 11:19pm

Great gesture and humble deed much appreciated!

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S Malik

Aug 01, 2017 11:30pm

Thanks dear Kholi for your kind and generous gesture. All the love from Pakistan and best wishes for your success.

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Eye

Aug 01, 2017 11:36pm

Very impressed by this gesture. I wish everyone on either side of border can reciprocate this great act of kindness and friendship.

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oncoman

Aug 01, 2017 11:38pm

Thanks Virat Kohli. Humanity should overcome all other adversities.

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Naeem

Aug 01, 2017 11:39pm

What a class act. Just imagine the prosperity when both nations are at peace

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Farid

Aug 01, 2017 11:45pm

True hero

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Aug 01, 2017 11:47pm

This is a good gesture Mr Kohli, we appreciated your donation that will go long way and used for good cause!

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Abdul Jabbar

Aug 01, 2017 11:55pm

A true champion Kohli. You have always won hearts in Pakistan. You play, lead, gesture and embrace like a champion. Champions have big hearts and you have one of the best. You are loved and respected in Pakistan. You have extended support to Amir, which we will never forget.

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Aijaz

Aug 02, 2017 12:09am

This nice act of Kohli is highly appreciated. Great batsman and nice human being

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SHAHID LATIF

Aug 02, 2017 12:37am

Mr. Kohli: You have proved your heart to be as good as your bat.

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LAFANGA

Aug 02, 2017 01:23am

@rich : Nobody want him to donate his outdated bat.

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Ahsan Gul

Aug 02, 2017 01:26am

Very good act for friendship. Why can't we the people of India and Pakistan live in harmony and peace?

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Shahid

Aug 02, 2017 01:28am

Kohli has time and again proved to be equally a good human and a sportsman. Utmost respect.

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Koshur

Aug 02, 2017 01:32am

@Najib which one passed

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Rahul Singh

Aug 02, 2017 01:45am

Now all pakistan will go blah blah over this.Let him once speak against any one of them and then see the sudden change

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Faisal

Aug 02, 2017 01:49am

Besides being one of the best sportmen out there Kohli also happens to be a great representative of youth and humanity. Huge respect.

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alihMmad

Aug 02, 2017 01:59am

@Joe OMG,,, if I have to read kind and nice gestures once more! what exactly does that mean??

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alihMmad

Aug 02, 2017 01:59am

@Harmony-1© omg! a wonderful gesture now!

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alihMmad

Aug 02, 2017 02:00am

@VM good gesture!

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alihMmad

Aug 02, 2017 02:01am

it's either the same one person posting these gesture comments or this is the best you have after regrouping...but what is it??

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alihMmad

Aug 02, 2017 02:01am

@SAEED MASOOD A very decent and good gesture!! too bad point not taken!

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tochibawa

Aug 02, 2017 02:02am

@Sachin Tendulkar Google it to clear your doubts.

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alihMmad

Aug 02, 2017 02:03am

@Eye "impressive gesture"!

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Sunil

Aug 02, 2017 02:04am

@Sachin Tendulkar Sachin do lots of social activities ... its just he dosen't want to do the publicity ...

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Asad Mahmood

Aug 02, 2017 02:50am

Love u india, our culture our values our language is so much invigorated that these small conflicts will never apart people ... religious hater and politations need to work for our unity and not divisionn

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wasim

Aug 02, 2017 03:38am

tell him to take it back we dont want it,

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AXH

Aug 02, 2017 04:01am

Lots of respect for Kohli and to all those who contribute to good causes.

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DesiDimag

Aug 02, 2017 04:46am

@ga He is still on the field. Young lad, successful, great player...

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DesiDimag

Aug 02, 2017 04:47am

@rich Agree with Rich here.

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DesiDimag

Aug 02, 2017 04:49am

@Sachin Tendulkar You don't judge others.

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MANSOOR

Aug 02, 2017 05:37am

Good luck dear Afridi

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Imran

Aug 02, 2017 06:22am

Great gesture by a Great player.

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Jagan

Aug 02, 2017 06:28am

@LAFANGA off course not you but Afridi appreciates it.

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Pak Patriot

Aug 02, 2017 06:42am

This is simply incredible to see the bonhomie between players of India and Pakistan. All cricket players, past and present of all teams world wide, should appreciate the Noble goal of Shahid Afridi to collect funds to build a hospital in Tharparkar, in the Province of Sind. This hospital will provide medical care to an area of people, who do not have health care presently. Please support Shahid Afridi's goal.

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Dheeraj

Aug 02, 2017 07:01am

On field Kohli is India's Javed Miadaad but off field he is like Rameej Raja.:)

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shafique

Aug 02, 2017 07:21am

Thank you Mr. Kohli. i hope players on both side keep up the good work to bring both nations together and promote peace for millions.

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Wonderful

Aug 02, 2017 07:29am

@LAFANGA the runs scored by his outdated bat might be more than the entire current Pakistan team.

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faisal

Aug 02, 2017 07:33am

Kohlil has a hate free heart if every one thinks like him in India and Pakistan we can be hate free confusion free Nations.

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Desi bhai

Aug 02, 2017 07:46am

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad you also deserve the noble peace prize for all your positive postings. Thank you!

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Shahab

Aug 02, 2017 07:55am

Very rare combination, this Virat is, top of his league and yet so humble and caring. People like him prove, again and again, that humanity is above politics and irrational sentiments. Thank you sir, from the bottom of the heart of a proud Pakistani.

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SAAF GO

Aug 02, 2017 08:15am

A commendable gesture ! Unfortunately, narrow-minded people in Pakistan will still not appreciate it.

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A Ahmad S

Aug 02, 2017 09:02am

Respect. A great cricketer, maybe the best batsman the game has seen and a great human being also.

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Musharraf Ali

Aug 02, 2017 09:26am

Thanks Kohli. You are not only the best batsman but a human being of highest caliber. Wish two cricket boards could be that friendly as Kohli & Afridi

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PAMNANI-INDIA

Aug 02, 2017 09:53am

We all Indians loves Pakistanis but political situations force us to avoid Pakistanis. We are brothers and even Pakistanis treat Indians as brothers. But some elements across the border destroys our relationship.

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Desiinpardes

Aug 02, 2017 10:21am

Kohli rocks. He is the best sportsman of India I've ever seen. He should use his status and influence to start bilateral cricket with Pakistan. Pakistanis would love to see India play in Pakistan.

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Ahmed Bilal Sheikh

Aug 02, 2017 10:36am

Thank you Kohli

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Ejaz Ahmad

Aug 02, 2017 10:40am

I am really confused, I love VIRAT because of such HUMAN gestures and hate him because of his InHuman batting against Pakistan.:D Gracias Virat

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Kabir

Aug 02, 2017 02:38pm

Wish all of you good luck for better thinking.

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ALIA

Aug 02, 2017 02:46pm

Respect!

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Mr. Bhatti

Aug 02, 2017 02:53pm

He always plays "Master Stroke"; both on the field and off the field. Undoubtedly the best batsman of the current era.

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Raheel Khan

Aug 03, 2017 01:37am

Thanks! Its a kind gesture from Virat Kohli, its nice to have s gift from Virat.

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pier wasif

Aug 03, 2017 06:08pm

Mr.Kohli, you are a true gentleman we love you. A Pakistani Fan

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????????

Aug 04, 2017 01:21am

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad.... just for giving a bat?

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