Pakistan’s ex-captain, Shahid Afridi tests positive for Coronavirus.

The first high profile cricketer to be tested positive has urged his fans to keep him in their prayers.

On Saturday, former Pakistan Cricket captain Shahid

Afridi revealed that he has tested positive for Coronavirus. The all-rounder becomes the first high profile cricketer to be infected with the novel Covid-19 virus. Shahid Afridi took to Twitter and said, “I’ve been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body had been aching badly. I’ve been tested and unfortunately I’m Covid-19 positive. Need prayers for a speedy recovery, InshaAllah.”

After retiring from international cricket in 2017, Shahid Afridi used to play in Pakistan Super League and has been active in the league. He played his last PSL match in March this year. Afridi debuted as a leg spinner for his national team in October 1996, playing in 27 tests (48 wickets and 1716 runs), 398 ODIs (8064 runs, 395 wickets) and 99 T20 matches (1416 runs and 98 wickets).

Messages of speedy recovery were posted by fans and cricketers for Shahid Afridi: 

Due to Shahid Afridi’s popularity in the sub-continent, many fans flocked to Twitter to wish the Pakistani legend a speedy recovery. Many cricketers, too, tweeted their messages to Afridi post his announcement. Earlier this month, former Pakistan international player Taufeeq Umar had also tested positive for Covid-19 but recovered successfully.

Two Pakistani first-class cricketers have succumbed to death due to coronavirus till now. One was the leg-spinner, Riyaz Sheikh, who took 116 wickets in 43 matches, passed away earlier this month in Karachi. In April, another first-class cricketer, Zafar Sarfaraz, died due to the virus in Peshawar, at the age of 50. 

Shahid Afridi who has spearheaded his charity work foundation in this pandemic was spotted outdoors frequently, to carry out his charity work.