Pakistan’s remarkable Test series win over England has given the nation something to cheer about following the killer quake two months ago. “It is a great occasion for the whole nation and has given every Pakistani a moment of joy,” said 1992 world cup-winning Pakistani captain Imran Khan.Pakistan suffered their worst ever natural disaster on October 8 when an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the richter scale killed around 80,000 people and left millions homeless. “With the nation still recovering from the quake, our cricketers have given us something to cheer about by convincingly beating England,” said an editorial in the country’s premier daily The Dawn. The Pakistani team donated 10 per cent of their series earnings to the quake relief fund, with match-winning fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar saying he dedicated his 17 wickets in the series to those who lost their lives in the disaster. “My heart goes out for all those who died in the quake and I dedicate all my wickets to the quake victims,” Akhtar said.All the newspapers carried front-page pictures of the triumphant Pakistani team with captain Inzamam holding the trophy.Former captain and commentator Ramiz Raja said the victory was the beginning of a new ear in Pakistan cricket. “It is a win the team can dedicate to all those who died in the calamity. It is something which can bring more laurels to the country in the near future.”
