Grieving Pakistan batsman Asif Ali has rejoined the national team camp in the United Kingdom (UK) for the 2019 World Cup, following the last rites of his daughter – Dua Fatima, who passed away while battling stage IV cancer.
However, following the death of his daughter, Asif returned to Pakistan following the culmination of England-Pakistan five-match series.
Thus, he is available for Pakistan to feature in their second warm-up game against Bangladesh. The Sophia Gardens in Cardiff will host the game on Sunday (May 26).
Pertinently, the 19-month-old Dua was buried on Thursday (May 23) in Faisalabad.
Earlier, after slamming two fifties in the ODI series against England which Pakistan lost 4-0, Pakistan national team chief selector Inzamam-Ul-Haq has announced his name in the finalised squad for the impending quadrennial event.
In the provisional squad, Asif and Mohammed Amir were named among the reserve placers before both went on to meet the final cut.
Asif Ali calls her daughter Dua Fatima ‘warrior’:
The braveheart revealed the 19-year-old daughter will be her strength and inspiration after flying back to the UK to rejoin the Men in Green’s 15-man squad.
Pertinently, the news regarding Dua suffering from the cancer broke in March 2019 when Ali represented Islamabad United (IU), in the fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
“I want to remember Dua Fatima as a warrior. She was my strength and inspiration. The fragrance of her memories is going to stay with me forever,” Ali took to his official Twitter handle.
The 27-year-old middle-order batsman Ali has also requested people to pray for his daughter. He has also expressed gratitude for extended support.
“I again request you all to pray for the soul of my princess. Thanks again for being there for me,” he added.
The talented batsman Asif has also requested fans to keep backing their team as Pakistan will be wrestling as one of the ten teams in the impending World Cup. Pakistan led by Sarfraz Ahmed will be in action against Windies at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham on May 31st.
“We as a team will be in need of your prayers & unconditional support,” he stated.
Asif has also penned down a heartwarming message in the memory of his daughter.
Here’s the post from Asif Ali for his daughter Dua Fatima:
Leaving today to join Pakistan team in UK for our Cricket World Cup journey. We as a team will be in need of your prayers & unconditional support.
These are the final few lines for my princess Dua Fatima. Meri beti k liye dua or Fateha ki darkhwast hai. Aap sab k liye duaaain! pic.twitter.com/XeS9ducwZZ
— Asif Ali (@AasifAli45) May 25, 2019