England's Ben Stokes to donate match fees from Pakistan series to flood victims

England captain Ben Stokes will donate his match fees from their three-test series against hosts Pakistan to help the victims of devastating floods in the country, the 31-year-old said in a statement on Monday. The English team is currently in Pakistan to play a three-match Test series against the Green Shirts, which is scheduled to take place on December 1.

Millions of people in Pakistan have had their lives affected by severe flooding in recent months, with officials in the Asian nation estimating damage from torrential monsoon rains that have killed over 1,000 people at more than $40 billion.

"To be back here after 17 years as a test side is very exciting. There is a sense of responsibility amongst the playing and support group and to be here is special," Stokes said.

"The floods that devastated Pakistan earlier this year was very sad to see and has had significant impact on the country and the people.

"The game has given me a lot in my life and I feel it's only right to give something back that goes far beyond cricket. I will be donating my match fees from this test series to the Pakistan flood appeal."

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday appreciated England Test Captain Ben Stokes for his generosity.

"We appreciate the kind gesture of England Captain Ben Stokes donating his fees of entire Test series for flood victims of Pakistan," the prime minister wrote on Twitter.

"Empathy for suffering humanity is the greatest of all virtues. His gesture epitomises the great British tradition of philanthropy," the prime minister remarked.

"We expect him to be ready for the second test and otherwise we've got a full squad to pick from."