Sarfaraz gives his ‘green shirt’ to disabled fan in honour

KARACHI: After a triumph against arch-rival India in the final of ICC Champions Trophy, the cricket fans are still showing up to residence of Pakistani skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed to express delight and catch a sight of the triumphant captain.

Fawad Ahmed was one of the special fans who reached the winning skipper’s residence on a wheelchair to express his pleasure on the outstanding performance of Pakistani team under captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed in the final of the tournament.

To honour his courage and support to the Pakistani team, Sarfaraz gifted his green shirt to Fawad Ahmed. The elated fan could not hold his emotions on the occasion and expressed his heartfelt gratitude over receiving the memento from his favourite cricketer.

The triumphant cricketers of Pakistan’s team returned home on Tuesday morning after routing arch-rivals India by 180-run at The Oval to lift its maiden ICC Champions Trophy.

Hundreds of fans stayed up late to welcome home members of the national cricket team returning after their historic win against arch-rivals India at London’s Oval Ground.

Crowds had gathered at airports in Karachi early Tuesday morning, eagerly awaiting the return of the Pakistani skipper. Fans decorated the entire street and house of captain Sarfaraz Ahmed who arrived with fast bowler Rumman Raees at 4:45 am with the trophy that Pakistan had won for the first time.

Some even climbed on rooftops and balconies to watch the captain return home. They had waited through the night to welcome their hero, with some carrying children on their shoulders to get a glimpse of the winning captain.

Sarfaraz held up the trophy to loud cheers and chants of “Long live Sarfaraz!” as a police band played patriotic songs nearby.

“(We won) thanks to Allah and the prayers of the whole nation,” Sarfaraz said in brief comments as he jostled his way through the crowd of well-wishers.

It took Sarfaraz nearly half an hour to enter his house once his car drove into the street as fans clamoured for photos and a glimpse of their national team captain and police tried to clear the way.

Sarfaraz waved the trophy from the balcony of his house as he was showered with rose petals, much to the delight of his fans who were chanting “Pakistan Zindabad.”