Grieving Asif rejoins Pakistan squad after daughter's funeral
38
Grieving Pakistan cricketer Asif Ali on Saturday left for England to join up with his country's World Cup squad following the funeral of his daughter, who he said will continue to be his strength and inspiration.
Asif left the team's tour of England and returned to Pakistan following the death last Sunday of 19-month-old Dua Fatima, who had been receiving cancer treatment in the United States.
She was buried in the Punjab province city of Faisalabad on Thursday.
“I want to remember Dua Fatima as a warrior,” tweeted 27-year-old Asif.
“She was my strength and inspiration. The fragrance of her memories is going to stay with me forever.” “I again request you all to pray for the soul of my princess. Thanks again for being there for me.”
Middle-order batsman Asif was not named in the preliminary squad for the World Cup but was called up after hitting two half-centuries in the ODI series against England, which Pakistan lost 4-0.
He will be available for Pakistan's second warm-up match against Bangladesh in Cardiff on Sunday.
Asif called on Pakistan fans to support the side, who open their World Cup campaign with a match against the West Indies in Nottingham on Friday.
“We as a team will be in need of your prayers and unconditional support."
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (38) Closed
May 25, 2019 05:29pm
Patience, and faith will get you through this most difficult time. Cry if you need to. May you meet her in heaven. Ameen!
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 05:38pm
Asif turn this sorrow and grief into your strength. I lost my 4 days old child recently. I can relate to what you might be going through. But this world cup should mean that you single out your self through your performance. Best of luck.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 05:46pm
Rip. Asuf bhai accept our condolences
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 06:01pm
My hear goes out to this hero. Hope he has a wonderful world cup in memory of his daughter
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 06:03pm
Very sad to know about the little girl. I hope and pray that he cherish the sweet memories and copes and the memories make him strong.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 06:09pm
RIP Little Angel, She is in Better Place now...
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 06:15pm
I am saddened...
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 06:31pm
@zeeshandxb,
Brother I'm so sorry for your heartbreaking news. These are the kinds of losses that nobody on the outside could understand.
I think Ali should miss the WC and instead give himself some time to grieve properly...but if he has chosen to represent Pakistan, his nation stands behind him. Inshallah he will make his princess proud.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 06:38pm
May Allah bless the soul and courage to the entire family to bare this irreparable loss..Ameen...Stay Strong Asif......The whole nation is behind you and team Pakistan..
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 06:49pm
R.I.P little angle. Codolences to family.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 07:06pm
R.I.P........sad end to a beautiful life.....
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 07:20pm
@zeeshandxb, sorry for your loss. May Allah give you the patience, and unite you in heaven. Ameen!
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 07:21pm
RIP
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 07:25pm
Inna lilla he wa Inna Ilehi Rajiun
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 07:30pm
Heartfelt condolences to your entire berieved family, relatives and friends. Inna Lilla Hay Waa Inna Illehey Rajayoon. May God Almighty bless the departed soul of your beloved daughter in the Jannat-ul-Firdous and grant you the patience, fortitude and resilience to bear the irreparable loss. Aameen, Tsum Aameen.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 07:36pm
It takes great courage to go back and play for your country after you have lost your daughter. I recall Sachin, going back to play for India at the World Cup in England, after he had lost his father.
All the best Asif. May you play well! All the best for the games.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 07:57pm
May Allah rest the soul of an innocent baby in Jannah. Ameen.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 08:04pm
Rip little soul. Ameen! So sad to hear your lose....from a father!
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 08:14pm
Condolences.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 08:14pm
@zeeshandxb, Condolences.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 08:55pm
Playing this soon? He should have taken time off.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 08:56pm
@zeeshandxb, I am sorry for your loss.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 08:58pm
Very sad the demise of princesses 'Fatima'.God may rest the soul in Jannah and family may have courage to bear irreparable loss to family Ameen.(Texas)
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 09:23pm
Rest in peace
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 09:47pm
RIP. May Allah place her in Jannah. And give you inspiration to lead Pakistan into World Cup through your undying skills, And brave character showing at the world scene.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 09:50pm
@zeeshandxb, So sorry to hear that. Our heart felt sympathies to you and your family. May Allah grant peace to all.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 09:51pm
RIP. May Almighty Allah place her in Jannah . And may she prove as strength to your determination. Take this as an opportunity to lead Pakistan with your strong character on the world scene.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 10:00pm
@zeeshandxb, Sorry to hear about your loss. Your little one is in heaven.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 10:06pm
Very sad, didn't know. RIP, and god give you piece
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 10:09pm
Truly heartbreaking. May god give you the strength to deal with your loss.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 10:30pm
This man is really hurting. Feel sorry for him. I will be cheering for him in the WC. Humanity is bigger than sports. Stay strong Asif.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 10:36pm
I bet this is going to be a wonderful tournament for you Asif...... you will be best batsmen of the WC2019 inshallah.
Recommend
0
May 25, 2019 11:37pm
No, bad idea. He is not mentally there yet. Keep him off the team.
Recommend
0
May 26, 2019 12:06am
rest in peace angel
Recommend
0
May 26, 2019 03:39am
Stay strong .
Recommend
0
May 26, 2019 05:29am
So sorry for your loss. May you become successful in this world cup for the sake your daughter whose memory will stay with you always.
Recommend
0
May 26, 2019 06:09am
A grieving father cannot and should not start playing so quickly after death of a baby daughter. This player had shown cruel side of his inner heart. He will remain a terrible role model for grieving fathers.
Recommend
0
May 26, 2019 10:32am
Stay strong brother. We will pray for your family.
Recommend
0
