The much-awaited three-match Test series between Pakistan and England got underway on December 1 in Rawalpindi. It is a historic series as the Three Lions are touring Pakistan for a Test series for the first time since 2005.

Ahead of the opening Test, England skipper Ben Stokes announced that he would be donating his match fees from the entire series to the Pakistan flood victims. Months on from devastating floods, millions of people in Pakistan remain homeless.

For his noble gesture, Stokes garnered praise from the fans and former cricketers alike. Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi also spoke on the same during a discussion on Samaa TV.

"I've always believed in that. When we went to India for the World Cup, I was there as a captain of the side. And I had said that the respect we get from India, we don't even get that from Pakistan. It was a positive message because the situation at that time. There were doubts over whether we would travel to India. As an athlete, the whole world watches you. You always want keep your country's reputation intact.

“Ben Stokes' gesture was amazing, it was a nice message. Such things should happen more often, the players are more friendly now. International players now share the dressing room together,” said Afridi.

Before the T20 World Cup 2022, England had toured Pakistan for a seven-T20I series. After the first Test in Rawalpindi, both sides will travel to Multan for the second Test while the third Test will be held in Karachi.