COVID-19: Shahid Afridi in good spirits, reveals brother

KARACHI: Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi, who was tested positive for coronavirus, is in good health, his brother Tariq Afridi said on Monday.

The star cricketer revealed the sad news on June 13 on his social media. "I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday, my body has been aching badly. I’ve been tested, unfortunately I am Covid positive," he tweeted.

"Need prayers for a speedy recovery InshaAllah," he added.

The News got in touch with the Afridi family, who asked fans and admirers for well wishes.

“Shahid Afridi is asking for your prayers and support through this tough time and nothing else. Shahid has been working hard with his foundation to deliver rations and protective gear to the poor and needy in deprived areas in Pakistan.

"He sacrificed his health and took a huge risk whilst doing so and in the process contracted COVID-19,” Tariq Afridi said.

The Shahid Afridi Foundation is a charity organisation that provides food rations, protective gear, and essential goods in the fight against the deadly coronavirus. 

Meanwhile, the cricket star's adviser, Saima Khan, said: "I spoke to Lala and the good news is that he is feeling a tiny bit better every day; he put himself at risk to help the poor and underprivileged.”

The former skipper, along with the foundation, has been on the ground for the last 67 days, having facilitated more than 32,000 households with ration supplies through our Donate Karo Na Ration Drive, the adviser said.

Most recently, Afridi was in Balochistan, where there was a perceived need for additional support.

Khan further stated: “Shahid has worked tirelessly through the heat and during the month of Ramadan with little rest. Being on the frontline, any aid worker or health professional is more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19."

"He has been extremely selfless over this period helping those in need, reaching people that other NGOs have struggled to reach. I’ve been extremely proud of him and what he’s achieved over this period, really coming into his own as a philanthropist.

"The prayers of our team, all those he’s reached out to, plus the supporters of our work are with him, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” she said.

The cricket star and his family would continue self-isolating until they recover and get rid of its symptoms.