KARACHI:
In a country where cricket is more than just a sport, Pakistan once again witnessed how the game can unite people and serve as a force for good.
The historic return of cricket to Peshawar after nearly two decades, with the match that took place on August 30, was not only about nostalgia and entertainment, but also about standing together for a noble cause — providing relief to flood victims.
As of 25 August 2025, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported 799 fatalities, over 1,000 injured and 29,311 displaced across Pakistan due to the ongoing monsoon season, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair.
Cricket stars light up the night
On the field, it was a showcase of generations.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s modern batting maestro, and Inzamam-ul-Haq, the legend of yesteryears, carried the hopes of their respective sides.
Batting first, Zalmi posted 145 runs, with Babar Azam scoring 41 and Yasir Hameed adding 35.
For Legends Eleven, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Rahman rolled back the years, taking three wickets each.
Chasing, Legends Eleven fought hard as Inzamam rolled back memories with a classy 47-run knock, supported by Azhar Mahmood’s 34.
But Zalmi held their nerve, sealing a thrilling 8-run victory.
The sight of Shoaib Akhtar and Waqar Younis steaming in to bowl once again and the crowd erupting at every boundary or wicket highlighted cricket’s timeless magic.
A collective effort beyond the boundary
The match wasn’t just about cricketing stars. The event brought together political leaders, dignitaries, and fans from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PCL COO Salman Naseer, Provincial Minister for Sports Syed Fakhar Jehan, and other provincial ministers were present, underlining the significance of the occasion.
Javed Afridi, Chairman of Peshawar Zalmi, played a pivotal role in organizing the match. He thanked the KP government, the cricketing legends, and most importantly, the fans, whose passion turned the match into a roaring success.
“This was not just cricket; it was a message of hope and unity for those suffering,” Afridi said.
Extending solidarity across borders
The humanitarian spirit extended beyond Pakistan’s borders. Through the Zalmi Foundation, Javed Afridi announced a donation of 10 million rupees for victims of the devastating earthquake in Afghanistan.
Expressing solidarity, he shared, “We stand with our Afghan brothers in this difficult time and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Cricket as a beacon of hope
For the flood victims, the proceeds and support from this event were more than financial aid — they were a reminder that the nation stood with them. For the fans, it was proof of cricket’s unmatched power to bring joy even in challenging times.
And for the world, it was a testament to how sport, when used for the right cause, can bridge divides and heal wounds.
The Peshawar charity match will be remembered not only as the city’s grandest cricket carnival in nearly two decades, but also as a shining example of how cricket continues to inspire, uplift, and give back to the people of Pakistan.
A carnival after 19 years
The Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar turned into a festival ground as thousands of fans filled the stands for the charity match between Peshawar Zalmi Eleven and Legends Eleven.
For a city that hadn’t hosted such a grand cricketing spectacle in 19 years, the event was nothing short of historic. Cheers of “Pakistan Zindabad” echoed across the venue, symbolizing both resilience and unity.
Despite rain earlier in the day, the ground staff worked tirelessly to ensure play was possible. The dedication of those behind the scenes reflected the larger purpose of the event — to stand firm in the face of adversity.
