“I encourage all spectators to participate in this initiative by purchasing tickets for the first T20I and turning up in big numbers,” says Ramiz Raja

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Aug-2022The PCB will donate gate receipts from Pakistan’s first T20I against England, in Karachi on September 20, to flood-relief efforts to help the country deal with the catastrophic situation that has caused over 1000 deaths.The floods were caused by the highest rainfall in the country in more than three decades, an occurrence described by Sherry Rehman, the minister for climate change, as a “climate catastrophe”. Over 33 million people in the country have been affected and, according to some estimates, the flooding has caused over $10 billion worth of damage.Ramiz Raja, the PCB chairman, said in a statement, “As cricket unites our proud nation, we stand firmly with the victims and all those involved in​ the flood relief and rescue operations. As a responsible and caring organisation, the PCB has always stood with its fans and public in tough, challenging and testing times. In this regard, we have decided to donate gate proceeds from the first T20I against England ​next month to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.”I encourage all spectators to participate in this initiative by purchasing tickets for the first T20I and turning up in big numbers so that we as a cricket family can donate ​a substantial amount to the fund and show solidarity with those affected by the catastrophe.”The Pakistan players had worn black armbands during their Asia Cup opener against India in Dubai on Sunday to show their solidarity with those affected by the floods.”We have already sent trucks full of food, medicines and other commodities to the affected areas and will continue to support our ​nation and rescue operational teams in any way we can,” Ramiz said. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Pakistan.”After the Asia Cup, Pakistan will host England upon their return home for a series of seven T20Is. It will be England’s first tour of Pakistan in 17 years and the matches will be held in Karachi (the first four) and Lahore (the remaining three). After the series, the teams will travel to Australia for the T20 World Cup, and England will then return to Pakistan for a three-Test series, to be played in Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi in December.