ZCZC
BSP-20
CRICKET-PAK-ASIF
Grieving Asif rejoins Pakistan squad after daughter’s funeral
KARACHI, May 25, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Grieving Pakistan cricketer Asif Ali on
Saturday left for England to join up with his country’s World Cup squad
following the funeral of his daughter, who he said will continue to be his
strength and inspiration.
Asif left the team’s tour of England and returned to Pakistan following the
death last Sunday of 19-month-old Dua Fatima, who had been receiving cancer
treatment in the United States.
She was buried in the Punjab province city of Faisalabad on Thursday.
“I want to remember Dua Fatima as a warrior,” tweeted 27-year-old Asif.
“She was my strength and inspiration. The fragrance of her memories is going
to stay with me forever.”
“I again request you all to pray for the soul of my princess. Thanks again
for being there for me.”
Middle-order batsman Asif was not named in the preliminary squad for the
World Cup but was called up after hitting two half-centuries in the ODI
series against England, which Pakistan lost 4-0.
He will be available for Pakistan’s second warm-up match against Bangladesh
in Cardiff on Sunday.
Asif called on Pakistan fans to support the side, who open their World Cup
campaign with a match against the West Indies in Nottingham on Friday.
“We as a team will be in need of your prayers and unconditional support.”
BSS/AFP/ARS/1732 hrs