Shahid Afridi looks on during the ICC World Twenty20 Super 8 cricket match against Australia in Colombo. File / Reuters

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi revealed on Saturday that he has tested positive for coronavirus. He wrote a heartfelt message on popular social media platform Twitter to make the announcement.

Afridi stated that he has feeling unwell since Thursday and after getting himself tested, the reports came as positive. He urged his fans and followers to pray for him during these testing times.

His Twitter post read: "I have been feeling unwell since Thursday; my body has been aching badly. I have been tested and unfortunately I'm covid positive. Need prayers for speedy recovery, Inshallah. #COVID19 #pandemic #hopenotout #staysafe #stayhome."

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Afridi had been involved in charity work during the ongoing crisis in his home country. He was even supported by former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and out-of-favour spinner Harbjahan Singh.

But following his comments on Kashmir and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian cricketers had cut all ties with Afridi.

Afridi is the third Pakistan cricketer to test positive for the virus following Taufeeq Umar and Zafar Sarfaraz.

He has most recently been playing for Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League, which was suspended in March due to the outbreak.

Former test opener Taufeeq Umar contracted the virus in May and has made a full recovery.

A former Pakistan first-class cricketer, Zafar Sarfraz, died during the coronavirus outbreak.

The 40-year-old Afridi quit international cricket in 2017 and has since played in Twenty20 leagues around the world.

He played 27 tests, 398 one-day internationals and 99 T20 matches for Pakistan. The spinner took 7-12 in an ODI against West Indies in 2013 after smashing 76 off 55 balls in the same game.

Afridi had been involved in charity work during the ongoing crisis in his home country. He was even supported by former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and out-of-favour spinner Harbjahan Singh.

Indo-Asian News Service/ AP