Shahid Afridi wins praise for buying Mushfiqur Rehman’s bat

Flamboyant Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi is drawing praise from netizens after his charity bought the bat of Bangladeshi cricketer Mushfiqur Rehman for $20, 000 as part of his efforts to aid coronavirus victims.

Mushfiqur put the bat he used to score Bangladesh’s first Test double hundred in 2013 against Sri Lanka up for the highest bidder online this week. But organisers called off the auction as fake offers sent the price soaring over $50,000, Mushfiqur said.

“Afridi contacted me personally and I sent him a link of the bid,” Mushfiqur Rehman said in an online forum Friday. “On May 13 he sent me a letter and offered $20,000. He bought my bat with this money. I am really privileged,” he said.

Mushfiqur’s management firm said the money would go to a development charity and to help people with coronavirus.

Afridi, who has his own foundation, said his purchase was a good one.

“We are faced with tough times and the need to help the poor is more in these times,” he told AFP.

Mushfiqur was the second Bangladeshi cricketer to raise coronavirus funds by selling a bat. Suspended all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan last month got nearly $24,000 for the one he used in the 2019 World Cup.

“Cricket is to bind. In the divisive world of today, we must look forward to better tomorrow; its always upto us to take 1st step. @SAFoundationN  believes human suffering & empathy is beyond borders. Hope this small token will help building bigger bridges,” Afridi tweeted.

Many took to social media in Pakistan to praise the all-rounder for his noble gesture.

Fantastic gesture. #Respect

— Asif Khan (@mak_asif) May 15, 2020

I think we are living in the world where people like Shahid Afridi are born once in a blue moon.We are so thankful to Allah Almighty for your existence Lala.
Prayers all the way?
You are proving the world that humanity is still left somewhere @SAfridiOfficial #DonateKaroNa

— M A H A M. (@dheetafridian__) May 15, 2020

The people of Bangladesh will always cherish your contribution.

Love you Man.

— Rakib Hossain (@bdrakibhossin) May 15, 2020

Dear #Afridi,

Thank you from Bangladesh on behalf of its people for your great help. We never forget your contribution in our need. My best wishes is always with you and your countrymen

— Ershad Khan (@ershadkhandu) May 15, 2020