Peshawar Zalmi's owner Javed Afridi extends support to SLC amidst national crisis

As Sri Lanka face political and economic difficulties, Javed Afridi, the owner of the Peshawar Zalmi franchise at the Pakistan Super League, has proposed a funding offer to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as a goodwill gesture. The country had even declared a state of emergency after things fell out of place during the ongoing crisis.

Afridi said he is offering his assistance to SLC in order to sustain the country’s worldwide reputation in cricket since he understands the Sri Lankans’ love for the game. The Sri Lankan team is currently on their tour of Bangladesh, and a few players are also a part of the Indian Premier League 2022.

“The people of Sri Lanka love cricket as dearly as we Pakistanis do but the current not so good situation must’ve hurt Lankans cricket fans. So I extend my full support to sponsor @OfficialSLC in best of my capacities to maintain their international status in world cricket area,” Javed Afridi wrote on Twitter.

The people of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰love cricket as dearly as we Pakistanis do but the current not so good situation must’ve hurt Lankans cricket fans. So I extend my full support to sponsor @OfficialSLC in best of my capacities to maintain their international status in world cricket area.

— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) May 14, 2022

AFP had reported on May 9 that the Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had stepped down after five persons, including an MP, were killed in turmoil. This is the worst economic crisis that Sri Lanka have witnessed since their independence, and the countrymen have seen months of blackouts and severe food, fuel, and medical shortages.

Asia Cup 2022 under doubt amid Sri Lanka’s crisis

Sri Lanka are also set to host the Asia Cup this year, but the economic unrest in the country has put that under some doubts. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier assured that they do not have any issues in touring Sri Lanka for the event. Notably, Pakistan will also be playing a two-match Test series in Sri Lanka before commencing the Asia Cup. The cricketing boards are in constant touch with SLC as there have been many violent activities in the country. The board will take a final call on the event by the end of May.