Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhter gets bowled over at Dubai Autism Centre

Dubai: Children at Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) bowled over former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhter, with their love and affection on Wednesday.

On a visit to DAC as part of his Sprite Cricket Stars campaign, Akhter interacted and played cricket with autistic children and was visibly moved by the experience.

“I had very little idea about what autism is and how it affects so many people in the world. It is really sad to know that there are human beings who go through so much pain every second of their life, we should all know more about the condition and try our best to help these kids. You only realise how blessed you are when you meet these kids, I’m going back as a changed person from here,” said the 38-year-old former fast bowler.

The star cricketer mingled with the kids and went through presentations and sessions about the autism and promised his continued help to the centre and for the cause.

“I got myself educated today about the plight of these kids and the condition that so many people face. We need to raise more and more awareness about the disease and I’m sure there are so many people even in Pakistan who are going through these difficulties who need to be identified and offered support,” he added.

As the speedster went around the centre he came across kids with various types of autistic conditions, interacting with the star in their own unique way. But it was one special kid that touched Akhter most.

“It was the purest feeling I have had in my entire life. The way the boy came up to me and hugged. He wouldn’t let me go, it was special. I’m told he was waiting for me to come and I’m happy that I could bring a smile on his face,” said a visibly moved Akhter, following his meeting with the kid, whose name couldn’t be revealed.

Akhter hailed DAC’s patron Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, as well as all people working for the centre for their tremendous work.

“It is an incredible job to handle these kids with so much care and love while at the same time help them grow and develop in the right way. We should all appreciate their efforts and support them in whatever way possible,” he said.

DAC currently offers holistic individualised intervention programme that includes academics and various therapies.

The centre is currently working with the Roads and Transport Authority’s Dubai Taxi to spread awareness through advertisements on taxicabs.

“Awareness is the key. In many cases people don’t know what is autism and they are not aware that might have an autistic kid around, that is the reason why we are focusing on regular campaigns to raise awareness,” said Hayula Mourad, Business Support and Communications Unit Head at DAC.