Pakistan cricketers in aid appeal

By Inderpreet Sahota
BBC Asian Network

Shahid Afridi says that his cause is 'greater than cricket'

Two stars of Pakistan's world beating Twenty20 cricket side are in the UK to raise money and awareness about the plight of civilians in the north.

All-rounder Shahid Afridi and batsman Younus Khan say that the world cannot ignore the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in the north-west.

Hundreds of thousands of people have recently been displaced there because of heavy fighting.

The batsmen are on a week-long tour of the UK to highlight their cause.

Additional burden

"Due to the firing and the bomb blasts, lots of people still don't have roofs over their heads," Shahid Afridi told the BBC Asian Network's Mirpuri Show.

Younus Khan (centre) is one of Pakistan's most celebrated cricketers

"Coupled with the problems people face in getting basic daily food and drink - and all just before Ramadan - that's why we're here."

Mr Afridi said that his cause was "greater than cricket".

"We need to inform people what is happening in Swat at this moment, where people in their own country are homeless," he said.

Thousands of people were displaced in May when Pakistan's army began renewed fighting against the Taliban in the Swat valley.

Many lost their homes and livelihoods and most are now in refugee camps.

Mr Khan - who was born in Mardan - said that the district had seen several skirmishes between the Taliban and the army and was now having to cope with the additional burden of large numbers of refugees.

He said that the district was one of the most densely populated areas of North West Frontier Province, steeped in cultural history but now the scene of an unfolding humanitarian tragedy.

"Many are desperately short of food, but they won't put their hands out to beg," he said.

The famous batsman also highlighted the difficulties that women refugees face, because culturally they are unwilling to ask for any help from local people.

During their week in the UK the pair will attend numerous fund raising and charity events.