Shahid Afridi tests positive for Covid-19

Former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has tested positive for novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

The flamboyant cricketer shared the news on his official social media accounts.

“I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly. I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m covid positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah [God willing],” Afridi said in a tweet on his official Twitter account.

I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly. I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m covid positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah #COVID19 #pandemic #hopenotout #staysafe #stayhome

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 13, 2020

Afridi represented Pakistan between 1998 and 2018, featuring in 27 Tests, 398 One-day Internationals (ODIs) and 99 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

The 40-year-old’s appeal for donations to help people affected by the deadly virus in Pakistan has had overwhelming support from leading cricketers.

“We had to start the campaign in an emergency and things had to be sorted out. We had to do it really fast because in a country where there is unemployment, poverty, it is important to take quick action. It was a challenging task for all of us in the Foundation to go among the people and distribute ration,” Afridi said in an interview.

“We had to keep safety in mind. But people needed that help. This country has given me everything, so it is my duty that I help the people in the times of crisis. The campaign is going on really well and my friends are also backing me to the hilt,” he added.

Afridi is the fifth cricketer known to have contracted the aforementioned disease.

South African first-class cricketer Solo Nqweni and Pakistan’s former opener Taufeeq Umar also tested positive for the same virus.  

In April, former Pakistan first-class cricketer Zafar Sarfaraz passed away in Peshawar, aged 50, while in March Scotland’s Majid Haq had also revealed that he had tested positive.