ISLAMABAD: Former cricketer Azhar Mahmood will be raising money in a charity event to be held on August 19 in London to support mental health patients of South Asia.

Mahmood, who played 21 Tests and 143 ODIs for Pakistan, said mental health problems were a taboo amongst South Asian communities and he wants to bring it to the world's attention.

“I have played cricket in all of those countries and know that mental health problems are ignored and there is very little help for the patients,” Pakpassion.net quoted Mahmood as saying.

The former all-rounder, who's now settled in England and plays for Surrey, said he was honored to be the first Pakistani player to become an ambassador of one of the Prince's charities 'The British Asian Trust'.

“I decided I wanted to do more via my benefit dinner and hence offer my support to the trust specifically for mental health programmes in South Asian countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India,” he said.

Mahmood said the money raised on August 19 will be given to the British Asian Trust. “On the event various items will be auctioned including bats signed by the likes of Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar,” he said.

Mahmmod, while thanking Surrey County Cricket Club for their support for the event, said all his Surrey team mates including Yuvraj Singh will be attending the event.

“Sourav Ganguly, Zaheer Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Akhtar and my former Surrey captain Adam Hollioake will also be in attendance,” he said adding fast bowling great would also be a star attraction at the event.

“I hope everyone supports the event and we raise lots of money for a worthy cause,” he said.