Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi was appointed as the ambassador for the fifth edition of the Blind Cricket World Cup, said a statement released by the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) on Friday.

“Afridi is not only an icon in the arena of cricket across the globe but also a philanthropist and a role model in social works,” said Chairman PBCC Syed Sultan Shah.

He added that blind cricket in the country will gain new heights with Afridi’s contribution.

The fifth edition of the Blind Cricket World Cup, to be played in ODI format, will be hosted by PBCC in the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan in January 2018, added the statement.

The PBCC is trying to host some of the pool matches and the final in Pakistan.

Nine members of World Blind Cricket Ltd will participate in the tournament and four members have agreed to play in Pakistan.