Wasim Akram bowls in to boost Bradford funds for flood victims (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Cricketing hero helps city charity raise money to aid victims of Pakistan disaster

9:30am Tuesday 19th July 2011 in News By Tanya O'Rourke

Wasim Akram with the signed cricket bat at the fundraising event for the victims of the flooding in Pakistan

International cricketer Wasim Akram helped a Bradford charity to raise £35,000 in one night for the victims of flooding in Pakistan a year ago.

The Pakistani left-arm fast bowler was guest of honour at a dinner event in aid of the women and children of Sindh organised by the Basic Human Rights humanitarian charity based in Sunbridge Road.

Millions of people were affected by the devastation of floods in Pakistan in late July, 2010.

Ten thousand schools and two million homes were destroyed.

The charity aims to provide 16,000 people in 30 villages with access to clean water with the money raised during the fund raising evening.

Mr Akram, who was inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame in 2009, spoke of his support of the appeal, took part in a question-and-answer session and auctioned off a signed cricket bat.

He said: “Basic Human Rights is a credible organisation, their work on the ground is commendable, and it is an organisation you can trust.”

The charity has provided food, medical care, clean water and other items to more than 20,000 people already and is working with the International Organisation for Migration to construct 800 one-room shelters for families that lost their homes because of the flooding.

Charity founder and chief executive officer Anjum Tahirkheli said: “Celebrities can play an active and positive role in responding to major humanitarian crises.

“Here in Bradford, the support of Wasim Akram was a major aid in reaching out to the Pakistani community and, through their support, BHR can reach out to the vulnerable and weak of Sindh.”

• Read the full story Tuesday’s T&A